Happy 1st Birthday High Street Foundation

Wednesday 20 March, 5.30pm – 7.45pm, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale, OL16 IXU

A year ago an inspiring entrepreneur that turned his family recipe into a global brand gave some words of wisdom to local businesses and retailers to launch the Rochdale Borough High Street Foundation.

Larger than life Levi Roots sang his way into the hearts and minds of local entrepreneurs by sharing his experience of creating his successful trademark Reggae Reggae Sauce. With his words of wisdom ringing in their ears, local businesses across the borough signed up to an join the High Street Foundation and help create sustainable high streets for the future.

The 1^st anniversary celebration is taking place on Wednesday 20 March at the new Council offices –Number One Riverside where the Foundation members will celebrate the achievements over the last 12 months and discuss their plans for the future.

Councillor Peter Williams, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Economic Development, said: “We are under no illusions that times are tough for local businesses. But the major regeneration activities taking shape acrossthe borough will present huge opportunities for businesses to benefit. Improved and planned leisure, transport, education and retail facilities are set to make our towns more attractive places to live, visit, work and do business.”

A year on over 200 businesses have become members of the Foundation including retailers, cafes, bars, restaurants, recruitment agencies, market traders, estate agents, solicitors and accountants. The members are working together and sharing ideas to stimulate more creative and social activities around retail and leisure focussing on the arts, music and heritage. There are seven distinct principles and themes that the Foundation prioritise:

1. working together

2. safe and secure environments
3. enhancing the street scene
4. marketing, animation and events
5. accessibility
6. attracting investment
7. evening economy

The council committed £1million to support the improvement of the borough’s high streets, on activities and initiatives that addressed one or more of these themes. Members also benefited from bespoke training from the National Skills Academy for Retail and one-to-one support.

The last 12 months has been an incredible year for the borough. 2012 marked the International Year of Co-operatives. As the birthplace for this global movement, Rochdale attracted visitors from across the globe travelling from as far afield as Japan, Nepal and Sri Lanka. The Olympic Torch procession also provided an economic boost as thousands of spectators lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the travelling flame. The established annual Feel Good Festival and Heywood 1940’s Day, are always family favourites that celebrates heritage, music, food and culture and both remain successful in attracting thousands of visitors to the borough. The introduction of the Love Rochdale Loyalty card provides exclusive offers and discounts from many town centre businesses. Over 4000 people have signed up to date. Shoppers can sign-up online for a Love Rochdale Card at www.loverochdale.co.uk

Middleton’s heritage was celebrated through the ‘golden cluster’ tours that transported visitors back in time to appreciate historical landmarks such as the medieval Old Boars Head, St Leonards Church and the Edgar Wood Centre in honour of this renowned architect.

Linda Fisher, Director of Corporate Services at Rochdale Borough Council, has a positive view of the future of the borough’s high streets: “The borough has a lot to offer. In a competitive marketplace we need to diversify and offer something different. We are working effectively with local businesses and the community to help bring the vibrancy back to our high streets, and the Foundation is proving to be a fundamental part of this.”