Council's marketing quest to 'improve town's image'

Rochdale Borough Council is splashing out on a large marketing scheme to improve the way the borough is perceived.

The budget for the project has not been disclosed, but the plan is to push a positive image in order to attract investment and visitors.

The Council is currently seeking a supplier to help it undertake a branding strategy, to improve the way that the borough is perceived by a wide range of audiences at a local, regional and national level.

It is hoped that when an agency is brought on board to tackle the task it will be in a position to present the complete marketing and branding strategy by March 2010.

Councillor Keith Swift told Rochdale Online: “We are part way through a marketing exercise to promote a new, better image of the borough of Rochdale.

“We have acres of green space and we could attract businesses and jobs, it is just about getting that message across”.

Kate Lindley, Communications Manager from Rochdale Borough Council said: "The borough branding exercise is about more than a logo - it's about articulating an ambitious vision for the borough and capturing its strengths in order to be able to drive inward investment and tourism - and to make people proud to live, work and do business here.

“From our pioneering heritage, to the expanse of green space in the borough, to the friendliness of the people, we have a lot to shout about.

“Over the course of the next few years, we want to make sure that the changes happening on the ground - including the construction of a new £60 million partnership building, the redevelopment of the retail heart of Rochdale town centre and significant investment in public sector and partner developments is exploited to its fullest potential.

"Selling the borough in a joined up way is integral to us achieving this aim."