Genr8 Developments has submitted a detailed planning application in respect of its proposed £60 million retail and leisure development in Rochdale Town Centre.
The scheme, branded as Rochdale Riverside, extends to approximately 200,000 sq ft (18,580 sq m) and comprises 24 retail and leisure units ranging from 1,000 (93 sq m) to 20,000 sq ft (1,858 sq m) together with a six screen cinema and approximately 350 car parking spaces. It is anchored by a 50,000 sq ft (4,645 sq m) M&S and a 22,000 sq ft (2,044 sq m) Next. Reel Cinemas has signed to operate the cinema which will sit above the retail and leisure element of the scheme. The retail units will all be constructed to a height of around 10 metres to allow retailers to trade from both ground and mezzanine levels.
The scheme is being delivered jointly by Genr8 Developments and Kajima in partnership with Rochdale Borough Council. Letting agents are Cheetham & Mortimer and Lambert Smith Hampton. Partner at Cheetham & Mortimer, Warwick Smither, said:
“This is a major milestone in the delivery of this exciting retail and leisure development in the heart of Rochdale. We are in detailed negotiations with a number of major operators who are looking to secure representation in Rochdale Riverside. On top of the tenants already secured, these additional retailers and leisure occupiers will help reposition Rochdale and regenerate the whole town centre.”
The application is expected to be considered early in the New Year. Demolition works have already commenced and construction works are programmed to start by late summer 2017.
Councillor Richard Farnell, leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said:
“This is a hugely important milestone for the regeneration of our town centre. The new stores and high street names will attract new shoppers back to town and give a massive boost to all retailers. It’s a unique mix of retail and leisure which will create 1,000 new jobs and boost the local economy by £17m.
“This is a red letter day for Rochdale and yet more evidence in the turnaround of the fortunes of our town centre.
“Rochdale Riverside is an important part of our £250m regeneration programme, which has transformed Rochdale beyond all recognition since 2010. This latest milestone is another boost to our borough’s retail offer, coming just weeks after the submission of a planning application for a brand new Rochdale Market.”
The scheme has been designed by TP Bennett Architects and an exhibition of the development proposals will be on display at the Council Offices, No.1 Riverside from will be on display from Monday 28th November for a period of two weeks.