But M&S store’s move goes ahead as planned

THE coronavirus lockdown means the long-awaited launch of Rochdale’s new £80m town centre shopping and leisure complex has been cancelled.

But part of the Rochdale Riverside development launched on Monday as originally planned.

Marks and Spencer’s food hall opened its doors because it’s classed as an essential retailer.

Council chiefs say the rest of the development, which includes Next, H&M,

Reel Cinema, Nando’s and an mini-golf course will open up ‘once it’s safe to do so.’

The existing Marks and Spencer store on Yorkshire Street closed on Sunday.

Rochdale council leader, Allen Brett, said: “M&S will be opening the foodhall section of its new Rochdale store to ensure its customers can still buy essential goods from them following the closure of their existing Rochdale shop.

“For obvious reasons, the rest of the occupiers will not open until later in the year.

“We look forward to welcoming residents and visitors to this fantastic new development at the right time, once it’s safe to do so.”

It’s not clear how the lockdown will affect plans for the second phase of the Riverside scheme.

Work to build 228 new apartments was due to start in September.

Speaking last month Coun John Blundell said he hoped the project would unaffected by the pandemic, but the situation has changed significantly since then.

Speaking at the time he said: “We expect to carry on with the build out of it.

“The only thing that might throw a spanner in the works is if the economy goes to the wall, but we plan to continue with Phase Two

●●The Rochdale Riverside shopping complex has delayed its opening but Marks and Spencer has opened its new store after closing its Yorkshire Street - it’s a great scheme.”

Simon Layton, M&S Head of Region for Lancashire and Cumbria, said:

“Our new store at Rochdale Riverside opened on Monday, April 6, following the closure of our Yorkshire Street store yesterday.

“The team has worked extremely hard to get the store ready to ensure we can offer locals everyday essentials and a wide range of fresh produce.

“We will also offer Clothing and Home products in the store, and these departments will open when government guidelines allow. In the meantime, we are focused on making sure our customers can get everything they need in our Foodhall.

“In line with other M&S stores, to support the community we will have special opening hours in place for NHS and emergency services workers, as well as special hours for the elderly and vulnerable.

“Please visit M&S.com for the latest information and opening hours.”