Marnie’s Hair Lounge opens in Rochdale town centre

Marnie Kennedy with Rochdale Council leader, Richard Farnell

Marnie’s Hair Lounge has opened in the town centre at number 2a Smith Street.

Marnie Kennedy, who has had more than a decade’s experience of hairdressing in the town centre, has opened the new salon in a newly-transformed property that sits alongside the new transport interchange and directly opposite Rochdale’s Metrolink stop.

Marnie (27) from Shawclough, said: “This is a lovely part of town. It is very busy, with the new transport links being close-by. It is a historic building, so I love the combination of the old properties and new development.”

The building has been transformed from a shell to a fully equipped business premises, complete with new flooring, new lights, a new kitchen and new bathroom.

Marnie added: “I have always been a hairdresser, but did not have the confidence to set up on my own. The council scheme has helped me realise my ambition. Rochdale has a very supportive business community and council, so that is why so many new places are opening at the moment. We need more of this type of thing, and if this kind of support continues, we will get it.”

Marnie has already employed one full-time and one part-time hairdresser and a make-up artist, all of whom are from Rochdale. She also has plans to employ another hairdresser for the unisex salon, which will be open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm.

Councillor Richard Farnell, leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “I am really pleased that we have been able to help a talented young entrepreneur like Marnie open her first new business, here in her home borough. This is part of our big drive to help bring more businesses and jobs into the borough.

“This new grant is a fantastic idea. Not only is it supporting the residents who will create jobs and make a better Rochdale, it also funds permanent improvements to often-neglected properties, some of which are part of the history of the town centre, so it is a long-term investment for our borough.

The council has a number of incentives on offer to help new businesses, which meet selected criteria, open in vacant units in Rochdale, Heywood and Middleton town centres.

Businesses looking to open in Rochdale town centre can apply for a grant to help renovate their unit.

To find out more, visit: rochdale.gov.uk/smallbizhelp/