Genr8 Developments LLP and Rochdale Council have signed the development agreement for a major retail scheme in Rochdale town centre.
The first phase of works will be the demolition of the existing bus station, multi storey car park and old council offices. Demolition will start in November 2013 after the new Rochdale Interchange opens. The demolition phase is expected to last approximately nine months, after which construction of the mixed use scheme can commence.
Work on the planning application will begin in 2014 with a view to submission once vacant possession is obtained and will consist of retail including a department store, a significant amount of leisure and a new car park. Details of unit sizes have not been released at this stage.
Warwick Smither, partner at Cheetham & Mortimer, letting agent on the scheme, said: “The scheme will reposition the town in the hierarchy of North West retail and leisure destinations by providing a quality retail and leisure mix worthy of the big national names that aren’t currently represented there.”
The Genr8 development forms part of a £250m regeneration of Rochdale town centre, with major new and refurbished offices, a museum and new education district already completed. The Metrolink tram route and new bus station are nearing completion and there are plans to reopen part of the River Roch to reveal the original medieval bridges.
Genr8’s funding partner on the Rochdale Town Centre East project is Kajima Partnerships. Rochdale Council has been able to confirm the timetable for the demolition and clearance of this major development site, located immediately next to a new public transport interchange and at the gateway into the rest of the town centre. The signing of the agreement now enables Genr8 to take forward their plans for a retail and leisure scheme.
Mike Smith, partner at Genr8 Developments said: “We are now in a position to talk to potential occupiers with real confidence about the development timetable. This is a prime site right in the heart of the town centre and immediately next to a new bus station and the Metrolink terminus, the iconic new council offices and library.”