More new businesses confirm growing confidence in Rochdale town centre

Another five businesses have opened their doors in Rochdale town centre since the New Year, meaning more jobs, more footfall and more potential high street spending.

 

Now open at 79 Drake Street are new company iiPlus specialising in Website Design & Development, VOIP telephone systems and branding/PR. Opened in February there are currently 6 members of staff and the company is currently recruiting telesales agents.

When asked by Mark Foxley of Town Centre Management why they chose Rochdale, Atif Khawaja said:

“We chose Rochdale town centre due to the potential we believe it has. The council are spending a lot money at the moment to help improve the Town Centre and we believe these changes will have a positive impact on local businesses.”

 

Also on Drake Street are the new offices of Pearson Ferrier estate agents, valuers and letting specialists. Based at 136 Drake Street they specialise in a providing a professional service to all clients.

Azhar Ali said: “There is a wealth of opportunity to work with the community, Rochdale has a lot to offer and the increasing pace of changes to the town will bring a more positive feel and better life experience to all concerned.”

Another new estate agent Reside has been opened by Jason Diamond. Based on Smith Street adjacent to the Interchange and Metro link terminal. Jason has 27 years’ experience in the business and in his words is a “massive supporter and believer in Rochdale.”

 

“I can foresee the potential around Rochdale town centre and the planned regeneration around Smith Street provides a great opportunity.” Jason added.

No2 The Esplanade, which houses the Post Office, continues to be a successful new business destination and Mike Beresford has set up a brand new contact centre Chameleon Contact Specialists Ltd. Occupying 1150 sqft office space on the second floor the company has created 15 new positions and specialises in campaign marketing, lead generation and appointment setting in the motor trade.

Mark Foxley asked Mike why he chose Rochdale and No2 The Esplanade:

“We chose Rochdale over Oldham, mainly because of the location, costs, transport interchange and the planned redevelopment in the town centre”

Yorkshire Street continues to see more new businesses with Coral bookmakers opening their third Rochdale site, employing five people.

Manageress Andrea Moran said:

”We are delighted with our prestigious new branch and are looking forward to a bright future and the continued regeneration.”

Also on Yorkshire Street, occupying the former Three Store and opening this Saturday, is Mobile Magic formerly based on the indoor market. In their new location there’s an even bigger range and owner Khalid said he’s “excited for the new opening”.

The new businesses join the growing number of recent new openings and relocations including, Costa Coffee, Riverdale Insurance (also in No2 The Esplanade) Java Espresso Bar, Aldi, Morrison’s Local, and Tetrosyl.

Mark Foxley said: “Confidence is undoubtedly growing in our town centre, we welcome the new businesses, and employees, and look forward to working together as we continue to connect, build and prosper at Rochdale Town Centre Management.”
 

Council Leader Richard Farnell said: 

“This is more good news for Rochdale town centre and it gives us real momentum for the further investment that is underway, including the re-opening of the river. I firmly believe what we are doing will have a positive long term effect on the town centre and our reputation is growing.  I’m pleased to see the quality and diversity of businesses in the town centre and that they are attracting other like-minded firms.”

 

(Contact - Mark Foxley 01706 926677)

Boomtime for Rochdale as new businesses get ready to set up shop

Costa Coffee has opeend in the Exchange Shopping Centre createing 10 new jobs in the town

 

More investment and jobs are on the way to Rochdale, with big name retailer Aldi officially starting construction of its third Rochdale store.

The discount giant submitted plans to build a new store in October last year, with councillors granting approval earlier this month.

As well as creating 40 local jobs, the Mellor Street store, which will have 1,250 metres of trading space, will help breathe new life into the former Carter Brothers’ site, just past the Asda supermarket, which has been empty for almost a decade. The store is expected to be open before the end of the year.

Ambitious plans to rebuild the Lidl store on St Mary’s Gate are also set to de determined this month, with the retailer looking to add another 845 square metres of space to their existing 1,120 square metre store.

If plans are approved, they will demolish the current store and build a bigger, better shop covering much of their old footprint and that of the now defunct blockbuster video shop.

The new store would be closer to St Mary’s Gate, a key gateway into the town centre, and have an expanded on-site bakery and frozen foods section. 

Lidl hopes to start demolition in the late spring, with the new store potentially opening as early as autumn this year.

All current Lidl employees will be redeployed in the local area until the build is complete, with the new store expected to also create new job opportunities.

Elsewhere in the town centre, the new Morrisons Local is set to open this Monday (23 March). The opening of the store in the former Nile nightclub at Number 2 Smith Street has created 20 local jobs.

Morrisons will join the growing ranks of new businesses opening in Rochdale in recent weeks, with Java Coffee also having opened its doors in the Transport Interchange at the weekend, providing four new jobs.

In the Exchange shopping centre, Costa Coffee has already served scores of customers since it opened on Tuesday 10 March, and brought in ten new jobs.

Leader of Rochdale Borough Council, Richard Farnell, said: “It feels like there’s a real momentum gathering in Rochdale at the moment and it shows that businesses clearly see the borough as having a promising future. Everytime a new business opens, job opportunities are created for local people, who then go and spend their money in the town centre and boost other businesses. Regeneration experts actually estimate that each additional employee in a town centre will bring an average of around £1,200 additional revenue into that town centre every year.”

Java Coffee has also opened its doors in teh Transport Interchange



Construction of a new Aldi store on Mellor Street has now commenced which will open before the end of the year

Free parking plans just got better

Moves by Rochdale Borough Council to drive down the cost of parking have just got better, with three hours free parking in council car parks now set to apply all day.

The offer, which will extend the free parking currently on offer in Heywood to all the borough’s town centres, was only set to kick in after 10am when it was first unveiled late last year.

But in a further boost for businesses, free parking for three hours will now be available at any time of day, rather than just for those arriving after 10am.

The moves mean that the policy will now be implemented from 1 May to ensure that all the ticket machines can be updated to take into account the improved offer.

Leader of the Council, Richard Farnell, said: “We know free parking will make it much easier for people to come and enjoy our town centre and that will be an important boost for our local business community. 

“In the past few weeks, in Rochdale town centre alone, we’ve seen the opening of two new coffee shops, in Java and Costa, and the new Morrisons Local is set to open its doors any day. This offer will make it easier for our residents and visitors to come and spend money in these new additions to our high street as well as the many other shops and cafes in our town centres.”

Marjorie Thompson, Owner of Chantilly on Cheetham Street, said: “This will make a tremendous difference to local businesses. All out of town places like the Trafford Centre offer free parking, but people are more likely to come into Rochdale, even if it means popping in and buying something while they’re on their way to out-of-town shops, if they don’t have to pay to park. We have always noticed an upsurge in trade after 3pm when parking is currently free.”

Flowing along nicely: work to reopen the river on course to start within days

Photograph by Andrew Brookes

The transformation of a key part of Rochdale town centre gets underway next week, with contractors set to start uncovering Rochdale’s River Roch and reveal its stunning medieval bridge.

Plans to uncover the 800-year-old bridge, which has been hidden from view for over 100 years, were given the green light in December last year when the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) granted £1.2m to the scheme.

Now the project, which is also backed by the Environment Agency and the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee, is taking shape, with hoardings set to be erected around the Butts area from Monday. (March 16th)

VBA Ltd has been appointed to carry out the painstaking work. The contractor is a joint venture of three well-known companies who have combined to undertake works under the “Water and Environment Management” framework. Between them they have worked on major projects including the Lancaster Flood Defence system, Metrolink and Heysham Power Station.

They will spend next week clearing the site, before breaking ground on Monday 23 March. This work will see them cutting through just over half a metre of concrete to remove the culvert, which acts like a roof for the river. The team are hoping to have the river bed and three-metre high walls exposed by June, depending on river levels.

Stage two of the work, which will start in the summer, will see extensive work on the bridge itself, with the erection of new parapets in traditional york stone, surface repaving and improvements to the stonework.    

The final stage of work, to uncover the section of the river on the other side of the bridge in front of Barclays Bank, will then begin.

Council Leader Richard Farnell, said: “Rochdale town centre is changing fast and it’s great to see another important project getting underway. We already have a beautiful historic attraction in our Grade 1 Listed Town Hall, and revealing our medieval bridge will be a further boost to our wonderful heritage offer. This will create a visitor attraction in the town and help make Rochdale a much more attractive place for the people who live and work here.”

Residents and visitors will be given a unique prospective on the scheme throughout the works, with viewing windows set to be placed along the section of hoardings running from the bottom of Yorkshire Street up to The Walk.

The scheme, which is a key part of Rochdale town centre’s ongoing £250m regeneration programme, will help to reduce flood risk in the town centre and create educational opportunities for the borough’s school and college students.

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

Mark Widdup, Director of Economy and Environment at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “The river opening is a very exciting development for the borough and it’s great to see this project getting underway. We’re working closely with businesses to minimise disruption and people should still be able to move around the town centre in much the same way for most of the construction period. At some point during the scheme, the roundabout which links Yorkshire Street, The Esplanade and South Parade, will be removed, but this will be managed through occasional lane closures.” 

Recoviner the River - photography supplied by Touchstones Rochdale

Women in Business Event

Friday 06 March, 10am - 2pm, Hopwood Hall College, Middleton Campus

Blue Orchid is proud to be working with Rochdale Council to celebrate International Women's week with a special networking event.

The event will include presentations from three inspirational women speakers who will talk about their experiences of setting up in business.

This is an informal event which will allow ladies to promote thier own businesses on the day and learn from other succesful business women.

The day will include:

• Registration and coffee
• Introduction from Blue Orchid
• The Importance of Health & Well Being
• Warm up activity
• Presentation from Gillian Bishop - Chief Executive of Link 4 Life
• Presentation from Julie Bowmer - 2014 Rochdale Business Woman of the Year
• Presentation from Ruth Yasmeen - SpiderVision Productions and 2015 BAFTA nominee
• Liz McInnes - MP for Heywood & Middleton
• Lunch & Networking
• Exhibitions
• A Blue Orchid Masterclass

To book a place on this fantastic free event please click here

Views sought on Rochdale’s retail and leisure development

Residents will be given their first glimpse of early plans for Rochdale’s proposed retail and leisure development at a public consultation event next week.

Visitors to the town centre exhibition will be able to comment on the development framework, which covers aspects of the scheme such as layout, access and general design.

The development framework and the feedback received at the consultation will help to guide a more detailed planning application, which will be submitted later this year.

The public consultation will be run by Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency in collaboration with their development partner, Genr8 Developments LLP.

Council Chief Executive Steve Rumbelow said: “This is an important next step in the council’s commitment to rejuvenate Rochdale town centre. There is still a lot of work ahead but this consultation will help Genr8 our development partner bring forward detailed proposals and submit a planning application later in the year.”

Mike Smith, partner at Genr8 Developments said: “We are now in the position of negotiating with potential occupiers with real confidence about the development timetable. This is a prime site right in the heart of the town centre and immediately next to the new transport interchange, the town centre Metrolink stop and the iconic new council offices and library. We are really excited about this opportunity and believe others will be as well.”

Following the consultation, Genr8 will start work on a detailed design, with a view to submitting a detailed planning application, comprising retail, cinema, bars, restaurants and other uses, as well as car parking.

The Genr8 development forms part of a £250m regeneration of Rochdale town centre, which has included the award winning customer service centre, council office and library at Number One Riverside, the arrival of Metrolink into the town centre and the new transport interchange.

The consultation event will take place at the following times and locations:

Bar 5 on South Parade, Rochdale 

• Tuesday 10 February from 11am until 7pm  
• Wednesday 11 February from 10am until 5pm

 

Number One Riverside

• Thursday 12 February from 10am until 5pm

 

More information about the consultation and the town centre regeneration can be found at www.rochdaletowncentre.com or on Twitter @RochdaleCentre

Top M&S model Rosie Huntington Whiteley could be on her way to Rochdale...

A selection of beauty products are on offer now for one week only in the Rochdale M&S store including buy one get one half price on the Nature’s Extract and La Maison beauty ranges.

Purchasing any one of these products contributes towards the stores overall performance to give Rochdale M&S a chance of bringing one of the UK’s  top model’s - Rosie Huntington Whiteley to the town on Saturday 31 January.

M&S Stores up and down the country are competing against each other for the biggest uplift in beauty sales. The store with the biggest uplift in sales will receive a personal visit from the model to kick start the launch of her new perfume “Rosie for Autograph” next Saturday.

Help increase the store’s chances of winning by purchasing any M&S beauty product. Pick up an early an Valentine’s present or Mother’s Day gift for your loved one and help bring Rosie to Rochdale!

Rochdale's New Market Open for Business

Rochdale's brand new market opens for business today (Thursday 22 January) with 37 traders selling a host of products including fruit and vegetables, jewellery, clothing, footwear and haberdashery.

Handily located on the old municipal offices site on the doorstep of Number One Riverside, shoppers can enjoy a traditional market experience and pick up fresh food as well as one-off items.

Most stalls will be open five days a week, with some traders, including a fishmonger, coming in just on Saturdays.

The opening hours for the market are 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday. The flea market will operate as usual on Tuesdays.

In the longer term, the market will be moved to the Butts to sit alongside the reopened River Roch as part of a multi-million regeneration of that area.

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.

Rochdale retailers thank festive shoppers for December sales boost

Local retailers thank shoppers for supporting the town over the festive period and boosting trade.

Rochdale town centre retailers report that for most, sales over Christmas were better than the previous year.

Mark Foxley of Rochdale Town Centre Management Company said: “The verbal feedback I’ve had from retailers is that Christmas for most was well up on last year.  Some retailers have cited upturns of between 10% and 20% in sales compared to the previous Christmas, with one reporting a sales lift of over 20%.”

Lorenzo O’Reilly, Centre manager of Rochdale Exchange said: “Overall in the main it’s been very positive with retailers reporting year on year growth.”

Debbie Hernon echoed these comments for the Wheatsheaf Centre retailers and would like to thank shoppers for their continued support.

Lorenzo added: “Trade picked up following Black Friday and continued well for businesses, by far the majority of retailers are happier this year than they have been in previous years.

Graeme Fitchett, Marks and Spencer store manager said: “There has been a real buzz about the town centre over the Christmas period and this has been reflected in our footfall and sales on last year.”

Beales department store director Keith Rudman stated: “The department store has returned healthy December sales of double figure growth on last year.”

Boots store manager Mike Webster also reported a boost in Christmas sales: “Boots has had a fabulous Christmas, with double digit growth on Christmas gift sales. We have invested in the Rochdale store with a new digital photo department and contemporary fixtures and fittings.”

Leading independent retailer Chantilly reported sales up on December last year. Owner Marjorie Thompson said: “I wish to thank all of our loyal customers for their continued support.”

Mark Foxley added: “The season started with the very well attended Christmas lights switch on and lantern parade, and I join all businesses in saying a big thanks!  Rochdale Town Centre has over 60 household names and 80 fabulous independent shops and venues, thanks to everyone for shopping locally and supporting your town centre.”

2015 is set to be an exciting year for the town centre, starting with the re-opening of the river Roch and the council initiatives including introducing the first 3 hours free car parking from April and a business rates reduction pilot scheme to attract new retailers into the town.  The new entrance to the Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre will be completed before the summer and new retailers including Morrisons Local and Java Coffee Shop are both opening early 2015.”



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