The Fight to Save Rochdale’s Seven Sisters
Residents living in one of Rochdale’s most recognisable landmarks have spoken out after being told they must leave their homes following safety concerns about the buildings.
Tenants in the tower blocks known locally as the Seven Sisters — officially called College Bank — have said they will “refuse to move out” despite warnings that the buildings may be unsafe.
Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH), which manages the properties, asked residents to vacate their flats after a structural survey identified a number of serious issues, including electrical faults, problems with the water system and damage to the roofs.
RBH stated that, because of these concerns, the long-term safety of the buildings cannot currently be guaranteed, and that residents would need to relocate while a decision is made about the future of the estate.
The seven high-rise blocks have dominated Rochdale’s skyline since they were built in the 1960s. Known locally as the Seven Sisters, the towers contain more than 700 flats and have been home to generations of local families.
Plans to redevelop the estate were first announced in 2017, after which hundreds of residents moved out. However, around 230 flats remain occupied, with many residents determined to stay.
Among those speaking out is local campaigner Ann Jones, who has been working closely with residents through the Save the Seven Sisters Flats campaign. Ann and other remaining tenants believe the situation has been made worse by what they describe as a lack of ongoing maintenance.
Residents say they feel that essential repairs and upkeep have not been carried out consistently over recent years, which they believe has contributed to the deterioration of the buildings and encouraged tenants to move away.
Ann has also raised concerns about transparency around the structural surveys. She says that the reports have not been fully shared with groups supporting the residents, including the Greater Manchester Tenants Union and a task force set up to examine the future of the estate.
The task force includes key regional and local stakeholders, among them Andy Burnham and Paul Waugh.
Residents and campaigners say they want greater openness and collaboration before any final decision is made on whether the buildings should be refurbished or demolished.
For many of those still living in the towers, the Seven Sisters are more than just concrete blocks on the skyline. They represent decades of community, friendships and shared history — something residents like Ann Jones say is worth fighting to protect.
