Former Woolworths site takes important step forward

Former Woolworths distribution/offices

Two and half years after the demise of Woolworths, one of Rochdale’s largest employers, the once deserted company site has achieved a key milestone in securing a thriving, long-term future.

The site at Royle Barn Road, Castleton, is now home to 12 different local businesses who have taken short term lets in the 350,000 square foot building and adjoining yard. 

As well as Soccer Factory Leisure operating 5 a side football pitches, a range of other organisations including a number of storage and distribution businesses, a packaging company and the borough's winter grit storage depot, managed by Rochdale Borough Council's Impact Partnership, have moved in.

The full letting of the warehouse will help to fund a longer term strategy thus assuring the sustainable future of the 22 acre site which at one time employed 400 people when it was home to the Woolworths’ regional distribution headquarters.

The generation of short term income and longer term development of the site is being overseen by ADAPT Properties working as delivery partners to the beneficial owners. Letting agents on the site are local Rochdale company Barton Kendal.

“We’re delighted to have agreed the final letting for the warehouse,” explains Graham Payne, partner at ADAPT Properties. “It is an important site for the town and the full letting of the warehouse is an important step in securing the site’s long term future as an asset for Rochdale.

"The businesses we have attracted all need short term, flexible accommodation at a very competitive price and this is what we are able to offer them.

“For our clients the lettings generate sufficient income to cover ongoing holding costs enabling them to purse the longer term plans and development of the area which is a key strategic site in the Castleton Regeneration Corridor.”

Councillor Peter Williams, Rochdale Borough Council Cabinet Member for Corporate Management and Economic Regeneration, said: “It was an incredible blow to Rochdale when Woolworths closed down but this shows that with the right team in place, different uses can be found for key sites.

"In March planning permission was given for 40,000 sq ft of retail space including a food store, 300 residential units and 70,000 sq ft of employment space on the site which is great news for Castleton and the borough. The site is a really important asset for the future but it’s great that it’s also being used productively in the shorter term.”