Work begins to build up industrial strength

ROCHDALE’S in line for a business boost, with work starting on the first of 40 new council-built industrial units.

The seven units in Dodgson Street, which are set be completed by August this year, are part of the council’s drive to support new and growing businesses, which need a small base, but can’t afford larger premises.

With all the council’s existing units now full and the private sector tending not to build small units because they don’t generate large returns, the council stepped in to meet growing demand from local businesses and entrepreneurs.

Council leader Richard Farnell said: “These units are the first of 40 we will deliver over the next four years. They’re ideal for new and small businesses, which may have outgrown the garage, but don’t need anything really big.

“It’s clear from the number of enquiries we’ve had for this type of units that Rochdale’s business community is flourishing and we want to encourage them every step of the way.

“Companies that start out in small units like this could end up being the next big thing and we’re helping to give them the next step up.

“Indeed, one of our home-grown companies, Nomical Networks, started out as two men working from home.

“They then made the move into a small unit, like the ones we’re building at Dodgson Street, and have now grown so much that they are employing 40 people in a two-storey office building off Kingsway.”

The Dodgson Street units start at 750 sq ft.

“The units, which are suited to uses like construction trades, manufacturing and food production, will all have two parking spaces each and toilet and kitchen facilities.

Two of the units also have mezzanine floors, while the other units have the capacity to add mezzanine floors at a later date.

The latest move is part of a package of council support to boost business and jobs in Rochdale, which now has 1,000 more businesses than in 2010.

The council also offers business rates relief to new businesses occupying vacant units in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale town centres, as well as match funding to help them renovate their shop units.

To find out more about renting a unit in Dodgson Street, visit rochdale.gov. uk/units or phone 0300 303 8880. ●●Inspecting work on the new council-funded small business units in Dodgson Street are, from the left, MP Tony Lloyd, Tony McCabe of LCM contractors, Richard Farnell, leader of Rochdale Council and Coun Daniel Meredith