Long standing trader in the market for move to former municipal offices site

Peter Jordan's family have been trading on Rochdale market for over 90 years.

 

A farmer whose family have been trading on Rochdale market for over 90 years is looking forward to a fresh new start when the market reopens on the former municipal office site next Thursday.

Peter Jordan (70) has Rochdale market in his blood, having sold his farm produce on his stall since he was a teenager back in 1959.

The Jordan family’s history is part of the market’s heritage, with Peter’s grandfather, Patrick, setting up the family’s stall on Yorkshire Street back in 1919. The family have moved with the market ever since and retained their loyal customer base.

Peter, who now sells eggs and plants which he produces on his smallholding and nursery, said: “It feels like a new dawn for the market and that’s an exciting prospect.  We have always managed to retain our customer base, but the markets have suffered with the advent of supermarkets and discount stores and the people who managed the market before didn’t have much interest in developing it.

“Putting the market next to the car parks, bus station and metrolink will be a great boost. Stalls, particularly ones selling heavier items like fruit and vegetables, have suffered as a result of being too far away from the transport links. This will be a shot in the arm for the market.”

The council is set to open the market on the former municipal offices site next Thursday (22), weeks ahead of the planned opening date in February.

Over 40 traders have expressed an interest in moving to the new site, with greengrocers, fishmongers, footwear, clothing, electrical stalls and more, all set to have a place in one of the cabin style units which have been provided by the council.

Council Leader Richard Farnell said: “This is an exciting time for the market we’re really pleased that so many of our existing stallholders are on board and see the huge potential it has.

“Peter’s story shows that the market is an important part of Rochdale’s past and the council sees it is an equally important part of its future.

“The council has laid the foundations for a really successful market by placing it in quality units in a prime location, with plans to move it to the Butts when the River Roch is reopened and to find a dynamic operator to attract new traders and help it achieve its full potential.

“Peter’s family have been trading in Rochdale for over 90 years and I’m sure they will still be trading successfully here in Rochdale in 90 years time.”

Peter added: “We have an enthusiastic council which wants to regenerate the town centre and open the river and this can only be a good thing for Rochdale and bring more people in. The market can be a big part of that.”  

The new market will open at 9am on Thursday 22 January.  It will be open initially for six days a week, Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm, with the flea market operating on Tuesdays.