Rochdale Link Road: Archaeological Desk Based Assessment

The Mouchel Heritage team were commissioned by the Impact Partnership in February 2012 to undertake an Archaeological Desk Based Assessment of the area of Central Retail Park in the centre of Rochdale. The proposed site has been identified as a possible location for an inner link road. There are no known archaeological features predating the 18th century within the proposed development area. The area was formerly occupied by the Rochdale Canal Basin from the late 18th century until the 1970s. According to historical and cartographic evidence, the canal basin was surrounded by numerous canal warehouses, mills and industrial buildings as well as some smaller unidentified buildings. These structures were gradually replaced during the 20th century by a Masonic Hall (still standing), picture houses and other buildings. The site is currently a retail park with associated car parking.