New management sought for Middleton Market

A vibrant company is being sought to manage Middleton Market in a bid to provide a better shopping experience and entice people into the town centre.

A planning application has already been approved to allow Middleton’s temporary street market to move to a permanent location at Middleton Gardens.

The new market, which is expected to open early next year, will provide a key link between the shopping centre and a new Tesco superstore. The location is also convenient as it provides a direct link to the town centre shops and the new bus station.

All interested companies are invited to tender by August 29 and the licence will be granted prior to January 1, next year.

The successful operator will work alongside Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council in delivering a successful, diverse and vibrant street market for the town. The proposed site could accommodate up to 50 demountable stalls, with plans for expansion in future.

Ownership of the market will be retained by the Council and the new operator will be expected to provide their own stalls, trading equipment and storage facilities. The new operator will be free to consider special themed shopping days such as French, German and Italian food markets.

Rochdale Development Agency is facilitating the relocation as part of the regeneration of the town centre which also involves the development of a £14 million sports and entertainment facility called the Middleton Arena and building work will start early next year on a new 60,000sq ft Tesco superstore.

Martin Ledson, Middleton Project Officer for Rochdale Development Agency, said: “We are delighted that the market will be re-locating as the move is likely to entice new shoppers into the town centre. We anticipate that the market will help to create a buzz in the town and that themed days and continental markets will offer people a whole new shopping experience.”

Rochdale Development Agency is working with the Council to progress the transformation of the town centre and this move is within the masterplan for the area.
As part of the changing face of the centre, Middleton Shopping Centre has undergone a £9 million refurbishment and expansion to provide 300,000 sq ft of new retail space.

The successful operator will initially be given a 24 month notice, and the Council will retain its Royal Charter and freehold interest.