Rochdale’s new leisure and retail complex, Rochdale Riverside, has scored another occupier, with Hollywood Bowl Group signing a deal to bring its new indoor mini golf concept, Puttstars, to the scheme.
The deal will see the leisure brand open a 20,000 square foot unit in the development, which will feature three themed nine-hole courses. It will sit beneath a six-screen cinema, operated by Reel, with four restaurant units below. Together these make up the leisure block in Constantine Road and Baillie Street, next to the Regal Moon pub.
Puttstars is part of Hollywood Bowl Group, the largest bowling operator in the UK, which is currently operating over 60 sites.
The latest signing follows hot on the heels of H&M, after the fashion retailer recently announced that it would open a store in the scheme.
Other retailers which will also take units in Rochdale Riverside include Next, Boots, JD Sports, M&S and River Island.
Lauren Gavaghan, development manager at Genr8 Developments, said: “This concept is a great addition to the line-up we have already created for Rochdale. The scheme is set to become an exciting destination for day and night, and this will ideally complement the retail, cinema and food and beverage offering."
Tim Letts, director at retail agents, Lambert Smith Hampton, said: “This is a brilliant addition to the Riverside development. Hollywood Bowl will create an entertainment destination that will support the cinema offering and create a real hub for the town.
“We are continuing to market the remaining space throughout the scheme as we forge ahead to completion in the spring of 2020. Interest remains significant and we are confident we are creating an exciting tenant mix for the scheme.”
Steve Burns, of Hollywood Bowl Group, added: “We're pleased to be bringing Puttstars to Rochdale Riverside. With the retail and leisure development being in the heart of the town centre, the expected high level of footfall enables us to continue to pursue our new centre opening strategy. We look forward to opening our doors to the residents of Rochdale in spring 2020.”
Councillor Allen Brett, leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We’ve always said that Rochdale Riverside is about much more than just creating an improved retail offer; it’s about bringing major new leisure experiences into Rochdale to boost our early evening economy and encourage more people to visit the town centre and enjoy spending time here. This fantastic new addition will complement Reel Cinema and the restaurants we will bringing to the scheme.”
Delivered as a joint venture between Genr8 and Kajima in partnership with Rochdale Borough Council, Rochdale Riverside comprises approximately 200,000 sq ft (60,970 sq m) of retail and leisure accommodation in the heart of Rochdale town centre.
It is part of the £400m regeneration of Rochdale town centre, which has also seen the creation of the multi award winning river re-opening scheme, the new transport interchange and town centre Metrolink stop and the new Rochdale Leisure Centre.
Paul Ambrose BID Manager said ” this is yet another positive sign that the town is moving in the right direction. The leisure offer in the town centre continues to growth and the BID can’t wait to hit the fairways! “
Rochdale Riverside is due to open to the public in Easter 2020.
01 Aug 2019