Contents:
- Editor's welcome
- Feel Good Festival
- Coffee @ the Craven reopens with a fresh new look
- Milnrow & Newhey Districts Community Carnival
- Adamsons Estates 80th Anniversary
- Rochdale town centre on the up »
- “Mischief” at Touchstones this Autumn
- Rochdale’s relationship with Fiji celebrated with new project
- Salt Separation Services
- Rochdale Classic Car Show
- Lattice apple pie
- Double award win for Petrus at RHS Tatton Park
- Gardening tips for autumn
- Black pudding potato cake
- Queen's birthday honours for incredible four
- It’s not too late to enrol for an adult course at Hopwood Hall College and University Centre
- Time to get lashed?
- Hairdressing trend - spiced cherry
- To be forewarned is to be forearmed
- Turn your garden into a hedgehog haven
- Lesley Kaengele wins NHS schools’ competition
- Get bronchitis off your chest
- Memory lane
Autumn 2022Rochdale town centre on the up
With progress actively taking place across the town centre, Rochdale is definitely a town on the up, with no signs of slowing down.
Rochdale’s transformation can be traced back to 2011 when exciting plans to regenerate the town centre were underway. With major projects being brought to fruition – such as the reopening of the river and the vibrant shopping destination, Rochdale Riverside – the town centre continues to flourish.
Rachel Byrne, centre manager of Rochdale Riverside, said: “The centre has become a focal point for residents and visitors; it’s great to see people socialising, from lunchtime groups to families visiting for a bite to eat and to visit the cinema.
“Since opening two years ago, there’s been continuing investment in our facilities and we’ve welcomed new stores including Deichmann, Dunkin’ Donuts and Nando’s, hosted events including the Artisan Markets and taken part in local community initiatives.
“As well as being an exciting addition to the town, Rochdale Riverside has led to the creation of more than 450 jobs which is great for the local economy. By investing in local amenities, people can be proud of what Rochdale has to offer.”
Anchored by M&S, Rochdale Riverside comprises a mix of popular high street retailers, including River Island, Next, H&M, Superdrug, JD Sports, The Works and Boots, as well as leisure operators like Reel Cinema, Puttstars mini golf, Bean Coffee, Greggs, Crust and Heavenly Desserts plus the latest retailer, Europe’s largest shoewear brand Deichmann.
Any good town centre knows that retail is only part of the attraction, balanced by complementary bars, clubs and restaurants – and the town centre’s food and drink offer continues to gain recognition.
Paul Ambrose, BID manager, said: “It is clear that the investments made over the last ten or so years are paying dividends, insofar as footfall is increasing, vacancies have declined and there are now multiple reasons to visit the town centre.”
What is also apparent is that over the last 10 years is the ongoing investment in the public realm with significant and eye-catching improvements being made within the Baillie Street Quarter which now benefits from improved lighting, street art and over 50 colourful hanging baskets.
Paul added: “This repurposing journey will continue as over the next 12 or so months Upperbanks, which features a Hilton Hotel and over 240 apartments, will be completed as will be restoration of the Town Hall and Town Hall Square.
“The BID and its partners will continue to lead the long-term transformation and evolution of the town centre with the overall aim being the creation of community hub designed around health, education, culture, housing, leisure, art and crafts, along with retail.
“Whilst consumer habits will continue to change, I am confident that the town centre can now offer something to everyone.”
Rachel agreed: “As we look towards the end of the year, we are confident that Rochdale Riverside will continue to be a go-to destination"