Plans in for £60m retail and leisure complex in Rochdale

A detailed planning application for the proposed £60m retail and leisure complex in Rochdale has been submitted.

Genr8 Developments and Japanese building firm Kajima, the companies behind the project, are looking to deliver 24 retail and leisure units, a six screen cinema and around 350 parking spaces across 200,000 sq ft in the town centre.

If approved, the scheme will be anchored by a 22,000 sq ft Next and 50,000 sq ft M&S, while leisure operator Reel Cinemas has signed up to run the cinema.

The retail units will range from 1,000 sq ft to 20,000 sq ft and be constructed to a height of around 10m, allowing retailers to trade from ground and mezzanine levels.

Letting agents chosen for the development are Lambert Smith Hampton and Cheetham & Mortimer.

Warwick Smither, partner at Cheetham & Mortimer, 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.”

He continued: “On top of the tenants already secured, these additional retailers and leisure occupiers will help reposition Rochdale and regenerate the whole town centre.”

Rochdale Borough Council Leader Cllr Richard Farnell commented: “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.”

He continued: “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.”

Architecture practice TP Bennett designed the scheme.

The application is due to be considered early next year. Demolition works are already underway, with construction works scheduled to begin in late Summer 2017.

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