Plans move forward for new Rochdale market and food hall

A project to create a new market in the centre of Rochdale is about to take a step closer with plans due for submission in the coming weeks.

If approved, the proposals will see the market opened on the Butts, near the relaunched River Roch scheme.

As part of the plans, the currently vacant Santander building on the site could be transformed into an indoor food hall.

Rochdale Borough Council took over the market three years ago when the sale of Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre, where it was based, threatened its future.

The market has operated on its current site, next to the Smith Street Metrolink stop, since early 2015.

Council leader Cllr Richard Farnell said: “This new market will be a huge boost for Rochdale town centre, and will go hand-in-hand with all the other improvements that are taking place as part of the council’s £250m town centre regeneration.

“The Butts is a fantastic location right in the heart of the town centre, next to the stunning River Roch and our brand new transport facilities. A good market with plenty of choice is an essential part of any thriving town centre and we’re well on our way to delivering this.”

Known for its strong market tradition, in 1251 Rochdale became one of the first Lancashire towns to obtain a Market Charter.

The Butts site has room for between 25 and 30 demountable market stalls. The Santander building, meanwhile, could house traders’ welfare facilities and storage. The property’s ground floor could be used as a food court or market hall for fresh food retailers.

Subject to planning consent, the market will be operating at the Butts by Easter 2017.