New Look and Nando’s to open before Christmas

New Look will occupy unit 17, between River Island and H&M (left)

Rochdale Riverside’s latest retailer New Look and restaurant chain Nando’s are expected to be open in time for Christmas.

New Look became the latest name to join the scheme earlier this week, following the loss of its premises due to the closure of the Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre last year.
 

Read more: New Look signs up to Rochdale RiversidePublished: 06 September 2021

New Look has signed a lease to occupy Unit 17 at the centre, between H&M and River Island, and has already started fit-out work in readiness for opening.

Popular restaurant chain Nando's is also expected to be open in time for Christmas after joining the likes of Crust Pizza, Loaded Burgers and Heavenly Desserts who have already taken space at the £80m development.

Councillor John Blundell, cabinet member for economy and communications at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Rochdale Riverside opened in April 2020 and New Look is the fifth new tenant to sign a lease since the pandemic started. That’s nothing short of remarkable in the current climate and highlights the feel-good factor that there is in the town.

“New Look left Rochdale in 2020 with the closure of the Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre so I’m delighted we’ve been able to bring them back into Rochdale to complement the other major fashion brands we have here like H&M, Next, River Island and Marks & Spencer.

“The presence of Reel Cinema and Puttstars means there really is something for everyone and the latest footfall figures for Rochdale Riverside are really encouraging, with visitor numbers increasing week by week.”

Delivered in a joint venture between Genr8 and Kajima in partnership with Rochdale Borough Council, Rochdale Riverside is a 200,000 sq ft shopping development in Rochdale town centre which also includes a 520-space multi-storey car park.

Enabling works are already underway for Rochdale Riverside phase two, known as Upperbanks, which will comprise 242 apartments and a 146-bed Hampton by Hilton hotel.