This mixed tenure development of 25 family houses represents the first phase of a Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder regeneration programme in the East Central district of Rochdale. The steeply sloping site is set in the middle of a neighbourhood of pre-war terraced housing. Our solution was based on using a linked terrace form to give strong definition to the streets whilst at the same time allowing each house to be individually defined. The main group consists of courtyard houses, where the main living areas are grouped around private external spaces. The result is a tight-knit group of tall townhouses with fronts dominated by two-storey bay windows that allow views up or down the street, promoting a natural surveillance and a sense of dignity. Our aim has been to promote a vibrant public realm, where opportunities for interaction between people naturally present themselves. The project received a RIBA Housing Design Award (2007) and CABE Building for Life Gold Standard (2010).