As 2020 comes to a close it feels like it has been a year of bad news but despite an ongoing pandemic and two lockdowns to struggle through, there is good news as Rochdale continues to attract new business.
Since January there has been a range of new independents to launch across the town centre ranging bistro, a butcher and a micro pub.
The list of new businesses includes:
- Petit Bistro on Baillie Street
- Heaven Scent on Baillie Street
- Quality Halal Butchers on Yorkshire Street
- Modern Nails on Yorkshire Street
- Pint Pot on Baillie Street
- Mannerist on South Parade
- Cheat Day on The Walk
In addition, there has been a range of new high street shops and hospitality venues opening at Rochdale Riverside which include, Bean, H&M, The Works, Next and Heavenly Desserts.
Paul Ambrose, BID Manager, said: “The appearance of so many new names on our streets proves that despite one of the toughest years in memory for businesses, that there is reason to be optimistic.
“Rochdale Town Centre offers an outstanding combination of strong demographics and positive market factors all located in one of the most up and coming entertainment/shopping districts in the north. With over £400m of investment going into our town centre alone to create extended retail, leisure and hospitality offerings, improved public transport links plus so much more, we are a town centre that despite the current difficulties is transforming”
“One of the key elements of this ongoing transformation, is the resurgence of more independent shops and hospitality venues who are able to pivot and adapt quickly to changing circumstances and demands. The BID finds people are endlessly entrepreneurial, and thankfully we are regularly approached by potential tenants with new ideas”
Town and City centres have been changing and this change has been accelerated by the pandemic. I believe that in the future we will still have a vibrant and thriving town centre, but the mix of occupiers will change as we see more services offered on the High Street rather than just things to buy. The overall aim is to continue the journey of reinventing the town as a community hub designed around health, education, culture, housing, leisure, art and crafts, along with retail”
If any budding entrepreneurs are looking to part of the on-going transformation of the town centre, please contact the BID team paul@rochdalebid.co.uk
17 Dec 2020