Angela Rayner Toured Rochdale’s ‘The Hive’ Prior to the Local Elections as Paul Waugh Praises Labour’s Community Impact
Balderstone, Rochdale, Greater Manchester – Deputy Labour Leader Angela Rayner recently visited "The Hive" community cafe and sports hub at the Million Pavilion in Balderstone, a project being hailed as a flagship success for local investment.
The visit, highlighted by Labour’s Paul Waugh on social media, was intended to showcase the tangible results of local governance and community partnerships. Waugh described the facility as a "great example of what hard-working Labour councillors do for Rochdale."
During the tour, Rayner was joined by Labour councillors Phil Massey and Danny Meredith, along with key stakeholders including Andy Mazey of the Rochdale Hornets and Mark Wynn from HMR Circle. The group observed the various services provided by the hub, which has become a vital resource for the Balderstone and Kirkholt area.
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The development of The Hive was made possible through a £1.3 million investment, funded by a combination of Section 106 development contributions and Rochdale Council capital spending. Paul Waugh noted that Councillor Phil Massey had been a driving force behind the project since its inception.
"Phil has been involved in this project since its start", Waugh stated in his post. "The £1.3m... had made it a reality. Many thanks too to all the staff and volunteers who make the site such a well-used community hub".
However, the celebratory tone of the visit stands in contrast to a shifting political landscape in the borough. Despite the high-profile endorsement of the hub’s success, the political makeup of the ward has recently changed. Councillor Phil Massey, who was praised for his instrumental role in creating The Hive, has since lost his seat. In a result that mirrored broader national trends in specific constituencies, Massey was unseated by a candidate from Reform UK.
The transition marks a period of uncertainty for the local Labour group, even as they point to the Million Pavilion as evidence of their legacy in the region.
While the political representatives may change, the impact of the facility remains clear. Staff and volunteers continue to operate the hub, which serves as both a sports center and a social space, maintaining its status as a cornerstone of the Balderstone community regardless of the fluctuations in local council chambers.
The visit, highlighted by Labour’s Paul Waugh on social media, was intended to showcase the tangible results of local governance and community partnerships. Waugh described the facility as a "great example of what hard-working Labour councillors do for Rochdale."
During the tour, Rayner was joined by Labour councillors Phil Massey and Danny Meredith, along with key stakeholders including Andy Mazey of the Rochdale Hornets and Mark Wynn from HMR Circle. The group observed the various services provided by the hub, which has become a vital resource for the Balderstone and Kirkholt area.
.jpg)
The development of The Hive was made possible through a £1.3 million investment, funded by a combination of Section 106 development contributions and Rochdale Council capital spending. Paul Waugh noted that Councillor Phil Massey had been a driving force behind the project since its inception.
"Phil has been involved in this project since its start", Waugh stated in his post. "The £1.3m... had made it a reality. Many thanks too to all the staff and volunteers who make the site such a well-used community hub".
🏉🐝 The Hive community cafe and sports hub at the Million Pavilion in Balderstone is great example of what hard working...
Posted by Paul Waugh on Wednesday 6 May 2026
However, the celebratory tone of the visit stands in contrast to a shifting political landscape in the borough. Despite the high-profile endorsement of the hub’s success, the political makeup of the ward has recently changed. Councillor Phil Massey, who was praised for his instrumental role in creating The Hive, has since lost his seat. In a result that mirrored broader national trends in specific constituencies, Massey was unseated by a candidate from Reform UK.
The transition marks a period of uncertainty for the local Labour group, even as they point to the Million Pavilion as evidence of their legacy in the region.
While the political representatives may change, the impact of the facility remains clear. Staff and volunteers continue to operate the hub, which serves as both a sports center and a social space, maintaining its status as a cornerstone of the Balderstone community regardless of the fluctuations in local council chambers.
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