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Rawtenstall's Valley Centre Demolition Update

Turn your calendar back a page to February. We had lovely weather for most of the month, but what events were in your diary? 

Rainwater pours from the roof of the Valley Centre

One of the biggest dates in Rossendale Council's diary was 27th February 2012. Why was that? The demolition of the reviled Valley Centre began.

Steve Jackson, Head of Health, Housing & Regeneration at the Council said: "We knew that once demolition started the changes would happen fast, but it's amazing just how quickly the townscape has changed, and what a positive effect it is starting to have on the area."

It was quite a spectacular site as the huge munching machines began to nibble away at the centre a few bricks at a time. Later in the morning came even more impressive viewing as the steel beams were removed from the roof, and the rainwater collection system emptied itself in a fashion reminiscent of the Falls at Niagara.

Almost four weeks on, and very little remains of the former shopping centre. Standing on Bank Street, you can see across to the Council's One Stop Shop. The former pub is still standing, but once the asbestos clearance is completed, this too will be pulled down.

The Valley Centre site in Rawtenstall last Friday

Instead, behind the hoardings remain most of the materials from the demolition which will be recycled to provide materials for the new events space. The different materials are being stored in huge containers, awaiting the end of demolition, prior to the recycling and disposal of material.

Bricks and concrete will be crushed on site and used to ‘stone up' for the pavings which were taken up before demolition started to be reused on site. Some of the features have been protected during demolition - the big circular paved area in the middle of the square will remain.

In a few more weeks, the demolition and site preparation will be complete. It will then be the turn of the Council's Landscape Team to turn the interim plans into a reality. There will be seating areas, green space and an area capable of hosting community events. Landscaping work is due to be completed by the end of the summer.

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Comments

DenboTaylor

At 11:33 on 22nd March 2012, DenboTaylor commented:

Looks like a huge area of land, didn't realise it was so big.

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Christine Smith

At 11:45 on 22nd March 2012, Christine Smith responded:

I know, it's really quite surprising.

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