Store scheme to ‘spark’ life into the town
ROCHDALE is set to undergo a ‘major transformation’ as part of a new initiative.
The town is one of 10 chosen to participate in the Marks and Spencer Community Programme, which was launched last week.
The scheme will see M&S work with local councils and partners to support communities to deliver positive, measurable change and tackle social issues such as unemployment, skill shortages and mental health and well-being.
Steve Rowe, chief executive of Marks & Spencer, said: “We’ve looked at what matters to communities – which are issues like access to workplace skills, social inclusion and support for mental health problems – and believe we can play a key role and make a real difference to community life.
“We’re starting with 10 so that we can learn, adapt and develop an agile approach that will allow us to support 1,000 communities by 2025.”
The programme will begin with a week of community volunteering, where M&S colleagues across its 650 stores and offices will contribute more than 700 local projects happening in the UK.
In Rochdale, the Springhill Hospice charity shop will be given a modern makeover by staff from M&S Rochdale and representatives from the council. This will include new lighting and flooring, improved stock displays and general redecoration.
Susan Ayres, head of economic affairs at Rochdale Council, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen by M&S for this initiative.
“We look forward to developing projects that will benefit the local community through this pioneering programme.
“Rochdale has a strong history in being at the forefront of co-operation between organisations and local people and we will see this as a positive new partnership for years to come.”
As well as local councils M&S will be working with a number of partners, which include Business In The Community, Royal Voluntary Service, and Frazzled Cafe. Together they will develop activities and initiatives that will benefit the community
This could include support for children starting school, support for up to 100 start-up community businesses, and investment in outdoor spaces including urban gardens and high street flower beds.
The Community Transformation Programme is part of M&S’ Plan A 2025, which not only aims to support communities but also to help 10 million people live happier, healthier lives and make M&S a zero-waste business.