‘The New Rochdale Pioneers’ reveal future proposals for new market location

A computer generated image of how the new market could look

The co-operative group of stallholders of Rochdale’s outdoor market, ‘The New Rochdale Pioneers’, have revealed some of their long-term proposals for the future of the market.

A specialist themed market has been put forward for one or two Sundays a month with possibilities from international cuisines to science-fiction and ‘comic con’ style fairs.

The market would feature a selection of coloured stalls, colour-coordinated dependant on theme with lights for each stall. Stalls would be a variety of custom tarpaulins and pop-up gazebos with access from more than one side. Clothes and shoes would be displayed on step displays and clothes rails.

Their plans include column floodlights to ensure a well-lit and attractive area and a garden terrace café on the rooftop of the former Santander building, with wooden box containers and plants plus a canopy covering for all weather.

Other fixtures discussed included a permanent roof for the outside market and seating in the downstairs food court.

A first-aid room and defibrillator are also being discussed with the aim of having at least one qualified first-aider on site each day whilst the market is open. Courses would be funded by the market for any marketer wishing to become a qualified first-aider.

A feature windbreaker was proposed with possibilities including a trellis with plants, work by local artists or ceramic tiles featuring children’s artwork from across the Borough.

The New Pioneers, whose motto is ‘Bringing the co-operative back to Rochdale’, will be a non-profit organisation for the community, reinvesting back into the community and further developments for the market.

Ian McGovern said: “We’ve all done this tender off our own backs with no professional help. It’s all been done by heart and brain power.

“We’d also like to thank Councillor Jim Gartside for his involvement and attendance at all our meetings.”

The future of Rochdale Market was raised at Wednesday night’s Council meeting.

Speaking during the Council Leader’s report, Councillor Shah Wazir said: “Rochdale has a long history of the outdoor market and I’m delighted a new location has been found. How soon will it be until they go to their new home?”

Councillor Pat Sullivan said: “The market has improved and I’m pleased to see how far it’s come. We have to think very carefully about the markets. People cross Manchester to go to the one in Bury and no-one will do that for the market we have now. We need different kinds of market stalls.”

In response, Leader of the Council Richard Farnell said: “The market will move some time in the summer after Easter. It will be run by a specialist operator and be a quality market.”

The New Pioneers will find out the result of their tender application on Friday 23 December.

Councillor Jim Gartside said: "I hope that the tender is given to the original market traders themselves. They have gone to a great deal of time, effort, thought and money to prepare an excellent bid which recognises much that is great about Rochdale. To get to this point they have put up with massive change and disruption yet they are dedicated to the market and determined that it be a success. I am very proud of what they have done and wish then every success with their superb bid to make the market a real attraction for everybody involved in Rochdale centre.”

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/106733/%E2%80%9Cbringing-the-cooperative-back-to-rochdale%E2%80%9D-%E2%80%93-stallholders-reveal-plans-for-future-of-market-after-submitting-tender