Councillors approve game-changing town centre development in Rochdale

Posted by on 11 Apr 2017

Councillors have approved multi-million plans for a new shopping and leisure development in the heart of Rochdale.

The move is another step forward for the Rochdale Riverside project. Phase one of the scheme is in excess of 200,000 square feet, and will bring around 24 shops, restaurants and a new cinema into the town centre.

Next, Reel Cinemas and M&S have already signed up to the development, which will also have 340 parking spaces.

The scheme, which is being led by Genr8, in partnership with Kajima and Rochdale Borough Council, is a key part of a £250m regeneration package, which has transformed Rochdale town centre since 2011.

The extension of Metrolink to the heart of the town centre, the re-opening of the River Roch, the opening of the sixth form college and the new transport interchange are all part of the £250m programme, which the Riverside scheme completes.

A new market, operated by specialists, Quarterbridge, is also due to open on the Butts, next to the reopened river, later this year.

Cllr Richard Farnell, leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “This is yet more progress for this important development, which will bring high street names that are not currently represented in Rochdale, as well as thriving restaurants and a cinema, which will create a fantastic destination for our residents and visitors. It will also boost our local economy by more than £17m and create around 1,000 jobs.”

Mike Smith, Partner at Genr8 Developments, said: “We’ve worked very closely with the council on Rochdale Riverside to ensure that our approach to this important scheme is in line with its own aspirations for the site and the borough. We recognise that this scheme will play a significant role in the regeneration of Rochdale and it is therefore imperative that we attract the right mix of occupiers to boost the local economy and establish Rochdale as a key leisure and retail destination.”

Councillors also approved outline plans for phase 2 of the scheme, which will see a further investment into the town centre, with the potential for new offices, a hotel, apartments and commercial uses.

As with most major and significant applications, the application will be referred to the secretary of state for consideration, before a final decision notice is issued.

Work is expected to start on the site in Smith Street in autumn 2017