TMST Shoes and Accessories opens on Yorkshire Street

Council Leader Richard Farnell, shop owner Ali Hassan, Simon Danczuk MP and town centre manager Mark Foxley

TMST Shoes and Accessories is the latest business to take advantage of Rochdale’s unique business rates discount to open up on Yorkshire Street.

Several businesses have taken up the council’s offer of reduced business rates of up to 80 per cent over three years.

This week, local MP Simon Danczuk and council leader Richard Farnell visited TMST Shoes and Accessories.

Ali Hassan used to run a stall on the old market but now has branched out to open two shoe shops, another in Oldham

Mr Hassan said: “I started out as a market trader In Rochdale and I am now running a shop in the town centre. I couldn’t have done it without the assistance from Rochdale Council and all the help from Mark Foxley at the Town Centre Management Company. The business is growing and gaining new customers every week.

Simon Danczuk, who first suggested the business rate discount scheme to the council, said: “TMST Shoes and Accessories is another success story for Rochdale.

"Town centres will only survive if they have a unique offer. Rochdale has a growing selection of independent and specialist retailers who are helping boost the appeal and diversity of our shopping offer. We’ve still a way to go, but a lot of people are working hard to improve the town.

Council leader Richard Farnell said: “Congratulations to Mr Hassan in investing in Rochdale.

"Our discount business rates offer is really helping new and independent retailers set up in our town centre. We have seen the number of empty shops on Yorkshire Street fall by half since the offer was introduced. It’s part of a determined effort to breathe new life into the town centre as part of a five-year regeneration plan.

"This year should also see the start of building a £100M new leisure and shopping centre that will bring many national retailers back to town.”