Vision of new-look market is unveiled
THIS is the first glimpse of how Rochdale’s new market could look. Artists’ impressions show how stalls will be relocated from their current location off Smith Street to The Butts, close to the recently reopened River Roch.
And the nearby former Santander building, which is currently empty, could also be converted into a food hall.
Town hall chiefs say the move will be a ‘huge boost’ for the town centre.
A planning application is expected to be submitted in the next few months.
Council leader Richard Farnell said: “This new market will be a huge boost for Rochdale town centre and will go handin-hand with all the other improvements that are taking place as part of the council’s £250m town centre regeneration.
“The Butts is a fantastic location right in the heart of the town centre, next to the stunning River Roch and our brand new transport facilities.
“A good market with plenty of choice is an essential part of any thriving town centre and we’re well on our way to delivering this.”
About 25 to 30 stalls could go on The Butts, while the Santander building could house to toilets, storage and other facilities for the traders to use with the ground floor used as a food court or market hall for fresh food stalls.
The council, which took over the running of the market in 2013 to save it from closure when the Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre in which it was based was sold, say the next step is to appoint an external market operator, whose job will be to bring in new retailers, increase the variety and quality of stalls, and run it long-term.
All current market traders will be given the opportunity to pitch for a stall on the new market.
It’s hoped the market will be up and running by Easter next year.