The results of the market consultation are in and it’s official – Rochdale people want a market.
More than 550 people responded to the consultation on the future of Rochdale market which the council set up after it took control of the market following the sale of the exchange shopping centre.
The results show:
- 98% of respondents think that Rochdale should have a market
- 38% of respondents use the market weekly, 20% use the market daily
- 55% would like an indoor market, and 45% prefer an outdoor market
- The most popular days to use the market are Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
Most people felt that Rochdale should have a market because it is traditional and a vital part of our heritage.
Many also said they would use the market more frequently if it had specialist offers like vintage, farmers’, Christmas and craft options. They also wanted more variety, including fish mongers, cheese and butchers’ stalls as well as places to eat.
The majority of respondents felt that the market should be closer to public transport links and suggested better locations for the market. Suggestions for relocation included the Wheatsheaf shopping centre, lower Yorkshire Street, the Town Hall car park and The Esplanade.
Leader of Rochdale Council, Colin Lambert, said: “We’re pleased that so many people took the time to fill out this survey and it’s given us some great ideas which we will be looking at in more detail. Rochdale has a proud market tradition and we’ll be working hard with traders in the coming months on options for the market as we believe it has an important role to play in our regenerated town centre.“
Issues arising from the consultation including possible relocation and days of trading will now be discussed with councillors and traders before a set of options is put before the council’s cabinet in the summer.
12 Apr 2014