New initiative to breathe life into town centre

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Rochdale Town Centre

Rochdale is blighted by empty commercial properties, but an innovative new initiative could help breathe new life into the town centre.

As part of the Meanwhile Project, the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) have prepared a ‘meanwhile lease’ which facilitates the temporary use of empty shops by non-commercial occupiers who can contribute to town centre vitality but would otherwise be unable to afford normal commercial rents. This process will allow landlords and tenants to negotiate a lease easily and quickly.

Examples of organisations that may be eligible are: community groups, voluntary groups, community artists, information centres, musicians, artists, statutory organisations and community enterprises. The main requirement is that the organisation must bring something relevant and additional to Rochdale town centre.

Grant funding may be given to successful organisations for the following purposes:

• Start-up costs
• Costs towards decoration to make premises fit for purpose
• Costs towards fit out of properties
• Promotion/marketing of service/business
• Service charge/Insurance charge to landlord

Rochdale Town Centre Management is implementing this project on behalf of Rochdale Borough Council.

Debbie O’Brien, Town Centre Manager, said: “This grant scheme will enable local Social Enterprise/Creative Industries, etc to show how they can add value and activity to Rochdale town centre. This initiative is a great opportunity to differentiate the high street and improve the appearance of the town centre.”

After discussing their ideas with Rochdale Town Centre Management, should an organisation be successfully shortlisted they will be required to provide further details

Support will be provided from various organisations throughout the process.

A panel, including representatives from Rochdale Town Centre Management, Rochdale Borough Council, Members and Rochdale Development Agency will decide on applications.

Grant funding for the initiative is limited and therefore innovative, creative applications will be looked at more favourably.

Potential applicants should register their interest my emailing Debbie@rochdaltcm.co.uk or phoning 926676 with a brief description of their organisation and proposed project.