Rochdale Market opens

Posted by on 2 Jan 2015

The new market, located on the site of the former black box, opened on Thusday 22 January with praise from traders, shoppers and passers-by.

Traders were on site from the early hours of this morning getting ready and setting up and did not let the dreadful weather stop them.
Peter and Eileen Jordan, whose family have been trading on Rochdale market for over 90 years, opened their stall at 8:30am and are looking forward to the new venture. Peter said: “It is very early days but it is an ideal site for a market. I am sorry to see the indoor market go but this is a prime spot and I am looking forward to really getting going.”
Martin Morgan, who moved from the inside market, said: “All change is good and you have to move with the changes so I think it will all be ok.”

Samuel Edge moved his fruit and veg stall from the inside market and is also happy to have made the move outside. He said: “The cabins are a good size. I think they have done a good job with the whole thing and it looks good. It’s nice and in a good location.”

Ann English has a makeup stall on the market. She said: “I think I am going to see how it goes. I think it’s going be hard because there is no storage space so that is a downside. The cabins are good though but we’ll have to see.”
Muhammed Rizwam said: “It’s in a good location and has lots of people passing.”

Shoppers and those passing through the market were also pleased to see the new market open and trading.
Gary Campbell said: “I think it looks good for a temporary measure and they have done a good job. It has a feel of the Christmas style markets. It seems to be in a good location as well.”
Sammie Campbell added: “I think I’m probably more likely to use the market now that it’s outside because I use the Metrolink and the bus station so I can easily pass through and have a look round.”
Sandra Alletson said: “It doesn’t look bad at all.”

Carl Heenan said: “I think it was dead inside so I think moving outside was a good move. I think they could have built something like Bury market though but apart from that I do think it’s good. Hopefully when the weather picks up it will be better.”
Emma Edge who picked up some fruit and veg from one of the stalls said: “It looks better than I thought it would. I think it will be really good.”

Marlene Bewick said: “It looks really good and I think it’s going be great outside. There is a lot to offer in Rochdale and with the location being where it is, the footfall will be great for the traders. If they could offer a theme or something every week like an antiques market or farmers market, then it could be even better. If you look at Bury market, that is thriving so this should be great.”
Rochdale councillors have also praised the markets move to the new location. Speaking at a meeting of Rochdale Council yesterday (Wednesday 21 January), Councillor Ashley Dearnley described the new market as “super” and added: “It is in a really good location with the bus station and the Metrolink opposite.”

Councillor Pat Sullivan added: “The stalls look amazing and look most attractive and I think it’s in a super position.”
The market is currently made up of 30 cabin style stalls with 18 traders signed up to use one. Those who want a stall in the future are also being accommodated with the council contacting anyone interested.

The market will operate for six days a week initially, with the flea market taking place as usual on Tuesdays.

Courtesy of Rochdale Online