Rochdale among worst performing medium size towns for retail and leisure vacancies

Photo: Journeaux

Rochdale town centre

Rochdale was among worst performing medium size towns for retail and leisure vacancies in the first half of 2016 with a vacancy rate that has increased to just under 22%, research by the Local Data Company (LDC) has revealed.

LDC Director Matthew Hopkinson said: "In the first half of 2016 Rochdale saw its vacancy rate increase to 21.8%.

"Within Rochdale there are significant variances in the health of the high street versus the shopping centres, which also reflect very different occupancy levels.

"Town health is often a reflection of both their proximity to competing centres as well as their micro economy as this determines the resident, visitor and worker economic values and one that might be a challenge for Rochdale currently. Understanding the current position and what can be done is key and Rochdale has as much opportunity in this regard as any other similar town."

LDC deliver comprehensive and up-to-date data on the retail and leisure markets using field researchers to survey retail premises every month.

http://www.localdatacompany.com