Rochdale river reopening on course as Heritage Lottery Fund confirms £1.2m cash injection

Photograph taken by Andrew Brookes

Rochdale’s medieval bridge, which has been hidden from public view for more than a century, is set to be uncovered following the approval of a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant to reopen the River Roch.

The Heritage Lottery Fund’s £1.2m grant is a huge boost to the scheme, which is a vital part of Rochdale town centre’s ongoing regeneration.

The project, which is also backed by the Environment Agency and Regional Flood and Coastal Committee with financial support of £1m, will remove two sections of the culvert that covers the river to reveal the stunning 800-year-old bridge, which was hidden from view in 1864.

Aside from a brief period in the early nineties when the river was uncovered for engineering works, no one has glimpsed this unique part of Rochdale’s heritage for over one hundred years.

As well as uncovering and restoring the bridge the project includes measures to enhance the natural heritage of the river by including features that encourage river vegetation and creatures to re-establish themselves.

Sara Hilton, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund North West, said: “Rochdale’s exciting plans to re-open the River Roch will not only reveal the hidden heritage at the heart of the town, but will inspire local people to get involved and support the surrounding natural environment. Running through the heart of the town, the River Roch has played a vital role in Rochdale’s history over the years and this project, made possible thanks to National Lottery players, will ensure that it will again.”

The exposed sections of the river will be located at the junction of Yorkshire Street and the Esplanade.

Rochdale Borough Council Leader, Richard Farnell, said: “This is great news for Rochdale and we’re incredibly pleased the Heritage Lottery Fund has agreed to support this vital project. The smaller scheme approved by the Council has saved over £1m and concentrates on revealing the historic 13^th Century bridge. This will be a fantastic heritage attraction for the town.

“We also have plans to regenerate the wider Butts area which will house a traditional outdoor market. All these plans are intended to make Rochdale town centre a much more attractive place to shop and visit.

“The river reopening will help create a stunning town centre attraction and will be quite unique in the area.”

The Environment Agency welcomed the news, as the river reopening will significantly reduce the flood risk in Rochdale town centre.

Tony Callaghan, Project Lead for the river reopening for the Environment Agency, said “This project will deliver some fantastic outcomes for the people of Rochdale. It will reduce flood risk for over 40 properties and deliver significant environmental improvements to 450m of concrete river channel by establishing more natural habitats. The project is a great example of how we are working with local and national partners to reduce flood risk, improve the natural environment and help restore some of Rochdale’s fantastic heritage”.

Work is set to start as early as February 2015, with the entire scheme due to be completed in the autumn of that year.

Cllr Farnell added: “Rochdale’s redevelopment, which has gained real momentum in recent years, is not just about bringing new shops and developments. Honouring our extensive heritage is equally important, and this scheme will sit wonderfully alongside our Grade I Listed Town Hall as well as our historic ginnels and walkways.”

Photograph taken by Andy Marshall

Photograph courtesy of Touchstones Archives

 

Rochdale Borough Council puts help for the high street at the top of its Christmas list

 

Business Rates reduction on the cards

A radical proposal to revive the fortunes of Rochdale’s high street by dramatically reducing business rates is set to go before the council’s cabinet on 15 December.

The proposed pilot scheme in selected areas of Rochdale town centre will give new businesses moving into an empty shop a massive 80% discount on their business rates for the first year, with a further 50% cut in the second year.

Council Leader Richard Farnell, said: “This is a fantastic scheme which will be a huge boost to our high street and major step forward in reviving our town centre.

“Business rates are one of the single biggest obstacles facing new businesses and a key reason why many ultimately fail. Nationally over 31,000 independent shops failed in 2013 alone.

“We cannot reverse the decline on our high street - which is mirrored in towns up and down the country - without dealing with this critical issue. Big reductions in business rates will hopefully see new shops open, help bring more shoppers and breathe new life into the town centre.”

The scheme will cover 23 units which are currently empty on Yorkshire Street, South Parade, The Walk and Baillie Street. It is aimed at tackling the high vacancy rate, which is currently 13.5% nationally and 22.7% in Rochdale town centre.

Council in free parking move to drive up trade



The High Street Foundation welcomes the news of free parking across Rochdale Borough town centres


The council is set to introduce 3 hours free parking in all town centre car parks from April 2015 to help boost business.

The move will mean residents and visitors can enjoy free parking at any time for 3 hours when parking after 10am in town centre car parks.

The changes will come into force after 1 April 2015 and will affect Rochdale and Middleton, as Heywood town centre car parks are already free.

Retailers today welcomed the move. Phil Buckley, Manager of Denis Hope on Drake Street, said: “This is fantastic news for the borough and something retailers have been hoping would happen for a long time. It’s really inconvenient for people to make sure they have the right change when they’re popping into town for about 20 minutes. This is a real positive for the town and could attract new business and investment.”

Duncan Harrison, Assistant Manager of Beale’s Department Store, said: “Parking prices are an issue in all town centres and are one of the things that discourages people from shopping locally. This is a really positive move and will help bring more people into the town centre.”

The changes, which will apply in all town centre council car parks in the borough and include on street pay and display parking areas, will help give the High Street a much needed boost.

Council Leader Richard Farnell, said: “The high cost of parking is one of the things killing our local high streets. Our priority is to support and encourage businesses as much as we can and free parking is something we know will make a big difference. Successful businesses create thriving town centres and bring much needed jobs, and that’s we really need here in Rochdale.”

Rochdale MP, Simon Danczuk, said: "I've long recognised that car parking charges are a barrier stopping people coming in to our town centre and that's why I'm really pleased to see the council taking this course of action. Even though they're operating under very tight financial constraints, the council is doing all it can to support traders and help the town centre."

And visitors will have plenty of choice about where to park following the opening of the new 200 space car park on the former bus station site.

Resident Alexandra Cooper (21) from Rochdale said: “I usually only come in a couple of times a month for things like the bank but this would encourage me to come in more often. The current free after 3pm is too late to come in and go shopping.”

Elizabeth Baker, also from Rochdale, said: “I come in once or twice a week for a mooch around and think this is a good policy by the council. They should be encouraging people to come in to town.”

New location for Rochdale Market



The Rochdale Market will move to a new, more prominent location.



Rochdale Market, currently located in the Exchange Shopping Centre is set to move to a prominent new location in the New Year, adjacent to the new bus station, town centre Metrolink stop and Milton Street West car park.

 

The announcement comes 15 months after the council took over the running of the market to save it from closure when new owners took over the management of the Exchange Shopping Centre.

 

Mark Widdup, Director of Economy and Environment, said:

 

“The council has been paying substantial rent to keep the market where it is and can’t continue to fund something which is losing a significant amount of money and is clearly not commercially viable.

 

“We held a public consultation on the market earlier this year and the overwhelming response from our residents was that it was too far away from transport links, so this move is an obvious first step to help create the successful market we all want. In the longer term, we want to put an outside market on the Butts as part of the river re-opening scheme but this interim arrangement will test if a market can work closer to public transport.”

 

The current market is set to close on Saturday 17 January. The council are considering a number of options for the new market, which is expected to open by operating three or four days a week and be run by an independent operator.

 

It is hoped that many of the existing traders will move from their current location onto the new site, but the council is also looking to attract new traders to create a more diverse retail offer.   

 

Council leader, Councillor Richard Farnell added:

 

“We now have a great opportunity to place the market at the heart of the town centre, alongside excellent transport links and the proposed town centre east development. Every successful town centre needs a strong market and we are confident that this change is a significant first step in achieving this.”

 

If anybody would be interested in opening a stall on the new Rochdale Market, email derek.mack@rochdale.gov.uk.

Christmas Message from Margaret Smith - Rochdale Town Centre Chaplain

Dear Members of the Borough High Street Foundation

 

To support our Town Centre this Christmas a TOWN CENTRE CAROL SERVICE is being held on Saturday 13^th December at 3pm in The Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre (in the former T. J. Hughes Store). This is being planned by the Town Centre Chaplaincy with the support of the Town Centre Management Group and the Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre.

 

You are invited to join us in this special Christmas Celebration along with all the shoppers in our Town. It is apprecaited that this is a very busy time for everyone but if you can attend you will be most welcome. If you have a special christmas message for our Town then please send it to me preferably at my email address revmesmith@gmail.com by the Thursday 11^th December and it can be incorporated into the service. It would help if you can confirm your attendance or that of a representative though this is not essential. 

 

May I take this opportunity to send you and your staff a very special Christmas Blessing

 

Yours

Margaret Smith

 

Margaret Smith

Town Centre Chaplain

Small Business Saturday UK

Is your business ready for Small Business Saturday - 6th December?

Small Business Saturday UK is taking place this year on Saturday 6^th December and is a grassroots campaign which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities.

As a small business you can get involved with the campaign and promote your business.

The campaign is backed by the UK Government and supported with a national media campaign to encourage people to support their local businesses on 6^th December and beyond.

 

For tips and ideas how your business can get involved, download the Handy Guide on the Rochdale Borough Council website: www.rochdale.gov.uk/smallbizsaturday

 

There is also a host of information on the Small Business Saturday UK website: https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com

On Friday 28^th November, to coincide with the opening of the MO site, a month-long exhibition is being held in Rochdale Town Centre showcasing the best of artists from around the borough in all forms of art. The project is the collective work of Councillor John Blundell, Professor Jeff Johnson of the Open University & Martin Ballard of Red Cape Marketing, Rochdale.

 

No 19 Baillie Street, the former Sugar Sugar restaurant & Black Box Comic Book Shop, will be transformed into a two floor gallery, and local artists are encouraged to get in touch and display their work within the gallery. This is, however, no normal art gallery…

 

Depending on what form your art is (digital images, canvas, upcycling of bizarre and wonderful items are some of the forms we already have submitted)these will be captured and uploaded onto a 15,000 lumen projector that will be based on the former black box site and project them in an ever increasing art show on the side of the Regal Moon. The vision is to animate a large area, and encourage people from around the borough to come into town and see it. This will take place in the week commencing 1^st December, and run alongside the gallery itself.

 

A range of workshops, music afternoons/evenings and more will be held in the gallery, and the project is seeking sculptors, musicians, painters, buskers and more to get involved and work together. The gallery will be open daily from 11am to 7pm, with the projection show taking place from 4pm to 9pm each evening – it will be added to daily with new submissions being asked for from people who visit to simply text/email in also.

 

The gallery will be staffed throughout the duration of opening times, but artists are encouraged to come down and present their work and will be allowed to sell their works at the end of the exhibition without paying a percentage fee - this could lead to some very unique Christmas presents under the tree come December 25^th!

 

If you would like to display please get in touch with Martin Ballard Tel: 07968108822  Email: martin@redcapemarketing.co.uk

Find the project on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Reviving-the-Art-Beat-in-Rochdale/288704214656627

Twitter: @ArtBeatRochdale 

If you know someone who may be interested, please spread the word!

 

JOIN ROCHDALE'S BUSINESS JELLY!

Full line up revealed for the Rochdale Town Centre Christmas Lights Switch-On

Britain's Got Talent boy band 'The Mend' will perform live at the Rochdale Town Centre Christmas Lights Switch On

The packed line up for the annual Rochdale Town Centre Christmas Lights Switch On has been revealed  including Littleborough singer and X-Factor star Danny Dearden, Britain’s Got Talent boy band “The Mend”, and Coronation Street actress Katie McGlynn.

Rochdale Town Centre Manager and event organiser Mark Foxley said: “This year we wanted to showcase our local pride and give the public a free event the whole family can come down and enjoy. We have a fantastic line up to kick start the festivities and special thanks to Rochdale Borough Council for their support and funding.

“We hope families will make a full day of the event and do some early Christmas shopping in the town centre beforehand and stay afterwards for a bite to eat at one of the many award winning café’s, bars and restaurants. People forget some of the great venues we have in the town including The Baum – voted best pub in the UK, La Mancha, Madison’s and The Flying Horse Hotel to name a few. We also have over 80 fabulous independent shops and 60 high street names.”

The popular Christmas Lights Switch On event taking place on Saturday 22 November will commence with a magical lantern parade led by Katie McGlynn at 3.30pm at the top of Yorkshire Street involving school children from Holy Trinity, Broadfield and Hamer primary schools. The parade will make its way down to The Butts for live performances on the main stage between 4pm – 5pm, followed by a spectacular firework display.

Boy band "The Mend" said: "We're really looking forward to performing in Rochdale. We have been in the studio for a while working on our album so we can't wait to get back on stage, particularly at such a fantastic event as the Christmas Lights Switch On...so let's get Rochdale Rocking!"

Rapper Kris who lives in Middleton says: "It's an honour to perform so close to home and to be part of the best festive party in the town!"

Other local artists to perform on the main stage will include The Carers Resource Choir, Turners Dance Studio and characters from Cinderella Pantomime at the Middleton Arena. The Big Switch On will be carried out by all the artists along with The Mayor of Rochdale and players from the Rochdale Hornets Rugby League.

All hosted by Revolution Radio 96.2, there will also be children’s rides and various stalls at this annual town centre favourite event.

X-Factor star Danny Dearden to perform at the Rochdale Town Centre Christmas Lights Switch-On

X-Factor star Danny Dearden will be performing at the Rochdale Town Centre Christmas Lights Switch On event

 

Littleborough singer and X-Factor star, Danny Dearden will be performing live at the Rochdale Town Centre Christmas Lights Switch On event taking place on The Butts on Saturday 22 November.

Danny who made it through to the final six in the Boy’s category and reached the Judges Houses stages of the competition in Mexico said his X-factor journey was an experience of a lifetime where he got to swim with dolphins, drive speedboats and perform live in front of Mel B and guest judge Emma Bunton.

Sadly, Danny didn’t make it through to the live shows but he has done Rochdale proud and is looking forward to his home coming performance.

Danny said: “I’m really excited to be taking part in the Rochdale Town Centre Christmas Lights Switch on event and performing in my home town.

“I attended the Switch On event last year and the crowd was fantastic.

“My friends and family will be coming to watch and it will be an honour to perform on stage in Rochdale.”

The Switch On will commence at 3.30pm with a parade along Yorkshire Street involving local school children, reaching The Butts at 4pm, with performances on the main stage from 4pm – 5pm.

The switch-on will then be held with other soon to be revealed star guest appearances, followed by a spectacular firework display.

There will also be children’s rides and various stalls at this annual town centre favourite event.

 

Danny performing at the X-Factor Boot Camp

Danny with Judge Mel B and the final six singers in the X-Factor Boys category

 

Small Business Saturday - 06 December 2014

Middleton's Grand Day Out



Edgar Wood hosted tours around Middleton's historic town centre

Young artists performing live in the Middleton Gardens

Children having fun outside the Middleton Arena

Vintage Fire Engine

Middleton Town Team in association with the Middleton Townscape Heritage Initiative hosted a “Grand Day Out" in Middleton town centre on Saturday 13 September to help revitalise the town and celebrate its heritage offer. People from across the borough came to the event that offered a range of activities to enjoy. The day was planned to coincide with National Heritage Open Days weekend and so this provided a great opportunity to boast about the fabulous heritage with in the town and to showcase the work of renowned architect Edgar Wood.

A land train completed a circuit of the town giving people behind the scene insight to some of the buildings designed by Edgar Wood and access to a number of heritage buildings including The Edgar Wood Arts & Craft Centre, the old Queen Elizabeth Grammar school,  the Old Boars Head pub and St Leonard's church. The train guard was dressed as the character of Edgar Wood, Middleton’s local architect, and wore a traditional black and red cloak  and provided a narrative during the train ride informing people about the history of the town. A vintage fire engine located at the Middleton Arena proved popular with children, as did the opportunity to have a photo shoot dressing up in clothes from the 18 century period. There was face painting, bouncy castles, street artists, a teenage market, arts and craft activities and much more which contributed to a successful day .The team ordered in sunshine by the bucketful,  it truly was a huge success and the Town Team are hoping to make the day an annual event.

Membership of the Middleton Town Team includes; Hopwood Hall College, Lords Butchers, Anthony K Associates, Sedgwick Legal Solicitors, M24 Arts & Crafts, Tesco, Royal Bank of Scotland, Middleton Town Centre Management Company, Middleton Shopping Centre, McDonald’s, Link for Life, Boots The Chemist and Rochdale Borough Council.

The Town Team are planning a community event in November to up-date interested businesses and community members on the current and future direction of the Town Team.

For more information please contact the Chair of the Middleton Town Team, Adam Torevell – Director of Middleton Town Centre Management Company on Tel: 0161 653 4990.

Meeting Reminder

Just a reminder the next meeting of the Rochdale Borough High Street Foundation is being held on:

Wednesday 17 September, 6pm - 7.15pm in the Reception Room, Rochdale Town Hall.

All traders welcome to attend.

View the Official Feel Good Festival 2014 Highlights

Setting Up As A Market Trader - Free Business Event

Click Here to reserve your free place here

Rochdale Town Centre Management Company appoint new Chief Executive

Mark Foxley, new Chief Executive of Rochdale Town Centre Management Company

 

 

Mark Foxley has been appointed Chief Executive of Rochdale Town Centre Management Company replacing Debbie Hernon who now heads up The Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre.

Mark was the unanimous choice of the interview panel from the four shortlisted candidates. He is due to take up the role in September.

Rochdale Town Centre Management serves an important function as the forum for town centre businesses by bringing together cross-sector stakeholders in the town centre to work in partnership and co-ordinate their activities towards a common goal. It is also a co-ordinated pro-active initiative designed to ensure that the town centre is a desirable and attractive place at all times of the day. Securing sponsorship and funding will also be a key task.

He said: “I am delighted to have been appointed to this vital role and I am looking forward to the immense challenge of helping Rochdale and its businesses to achieve their potential to become a worthwhile destination in Greater Manchester.

Mark has more than 15 years of director experience and latterly town centre management, along with numerous partnerships and initiatives.

Martin Ballard, Chairman of Rochdale Town Centre Management said: 'Having worked with Mark for the past few years, it's clear his vision and understanding of what the role needs to be will be an asset to TCM and the businesses within the town centre and give the company the best opportunity to become self sustainable in times of reduced funding".

Celebrity BBC Fusion Chef Aazam Ahmad coming to Rochdale!

The fantastic celebrity BBC Fusion Chef - Aazam Ahmad will be in Rochdale this Friday 15 August holding live cookery demonstrations in the town!

As part of the Feel Good Festival Warm Up, Aazam will be cooking live in the Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre between 12pm - 2pm and in M&S between 3pm - 5pm.

Come along and watch him for free and pick up some handy cookery tips and tastey recipies!

Borough businesses encouraged to welcome breastfeeding mums

 

Businesses and shops in Rochdale borough are being asked to show their support for breastfeeding mums by signing up for the Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme.

Businesses are being encouraged to take part in a Council project by displaying a Breastfeeding Welcome sticker in a prominent window, to reassure mothers that they are welcome to breastfeed their baby on the premises.

This announcement coincides with World Breastfeeding Week, which emphasises the importance of increasing and sustaining the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding. The Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme is a project to enable mothers to breastfeed easily and comfortably when out and about in our borough for example in libraries, Link4Life Sports Centres, shopping venues.

Businesses are being supported to kick start their participation in the scheme, while local NHS Trusts, children’s centres and GP practices are already on board, having already achieved stage 3 UNICEF Baby Friendly Award.

Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Councillor Cecile Biant, said: “The Breastfeeding Welcome scheme is an extremely exciting project that caters to the needs of nursing mums. Studies show that breastfed babies are less likely to suffer from ear and stomach infections, diabetes and obesity when they are older, while breastfeeding also lowers mum’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer.”

For more information about the Breastfeeding Welcome scheme, contact Ruth Bardsley, Public Health, Rochdale Borough Council on 01707 92 7081 or ruth.bardsley@rochdale.gov.uk.

OPEN FOR BUSINESS – FREE BUSINESS ADVICE DROP IN SESSIONS

 

Rochdale Library, No. 1 Riverside – Every Thursday 10am to 1pm

 

Have you been thinking about starting a business?

 

Do you have an idea but not sure what to do next? 

 

OR maybe you are an existing business and are looking for some extra support?

Then why not come along to our FREE drop in session every Thursday at Number One Riverside to discuss your business ideas further.

 

 

PLUS 'TOPIC OF THE WEEK' WITH OUR SPECIALST ADVISOR

 

 

We can also help and advise you on subjects such as Getting your Business On-Line, Accountancy, VAT and Taxation, Business Banking and Finance, Branding and Creative Design / Print, and all forms of Social Media. Our specialist advisors will be available in the library 10am to 1pm on the following dates:

 

How to open a Business Bank Account, bank safely and confidently online, Start-up Packages Finance for your business PLUS much more - Thursday 14 August, 11 September 2014

 

Social Media, Branding and Creative Design & Print - Jenny Hodgkiss from Capture Design - Thursday 21 August, 18 September 2014

 

Getting your Business On-Line - Waseem Pervez from ProWeb - Thursday 28 August, 25 September 2014

 

Accountancy & Taxation - Ruth Pringle - Pringle Accountants - Thursday 4 September 2014

 

Number One Riverside Workers carve up a slice of sustainable living

 

Staff at Number One Riverside swapped their keyboards for trowels as part of a health and wellbeing  scheme to revolutionise the way that Rochdale consumes its food.

Green fingered employees joined the Leader of the Council, Richard Farnell, to plant a delicious range of fruits, herbs and vegetables, including strawberries, chives, lettuce, radishes and tomatoes as part of the community growing scheme, Incredible Edibles.

The programme, which started in Todmorden, sees volunteers create community gardens growing food which can then be picked by any member of the public free of charge.

And now, thanks to the support of the Kellet Street allotment volunteers, who set the plants growing, residents and staff are just a few weeks away from being able to pick the fruit and vegetables and rustle up healthy meals and snacks.

The scheme was made possible following a donation of cash from Five Ways to Wellbeing and planting boxes from local timber company Dresser Mouldings.

The planters are located close to the staff entrance of the building, outside the children’s library.

Funding has also been donated by Experian and is available for community groups and businesses who would like to create their own communal fruit, vegetable or herb gardens in Rochdale town centre.  

Leader of Rochdale Borough Council, Councillor Richard Farnell, said: “Projects like this are a fantastic idea because they encourage healthy eating but also sustainable living. For that reason, it’s particularly appropriate that we have launched this project outside Number One Riverside, one of the most environmentally friendly council buildings in the country. We hope this concept will be embraced by Rochdale residents and spread throughout the town.”  

Anyone who would like to apply for funding to create their own community garden in Rochdale town centre can contact Frances Fielding on frances.fielding@rochdale.gov.uk 01706 926700.