Empty shop rate rises

Crippling business rates blamed for high number of empty shops in Rochdale town centre

There has been a marked increase in the number of empty shops in Rochdale, research suggests.

The Local Data Company, which monitors more than 2,000 town and shopping centres and retail parks, said the vacancy rate for Rochdale is 21.9% up 4% on 2013.

The Local Data Company report also reveals a growing North-South divide; whilst High Streets in the north west and north east fall into further decline, vacancy rates in the south are dropping.

Rochdale is particularly badly hit with almost 22% of shops empty; the North West as a whole is the worst hit region hit with more than 17% of shops empty - more than double the percentage in London.

Crippling business rates have exacerbated already difficult trading conditions and with the pleas for government action to alleviate the problem falling on deaf ears, the consequences for Rochdale retailers have been serious.

Debbie Hernon, of Rochdale Town Centre Management, said: “Rochdale is going through a very difficult transformation at the moment and 2014 will probably be one of the most difficult years yet for local businesses.

"It's important that we all embrace the opportunities to differentiate our town centre such as the impending river re-opening project, however it is also more important than ever that we continue to support our existing businesses through these difficult times.”

The data also shows the increasing impact of large shopping centres and retail parks and their dominance of the retail landscape.

Analysis of the 12 biggest shopping centres found most of the surrounding weaker towns and High Streets continue to decline, raising questions over their future direction and viability.

Whilst town centre retailers are undoubtedly suffering, a number of long standing independent retailers in Rochdale town centre continue to serve local shoppers well, such as: 

• Denis Hope
• Sandifords
• Pennine Photographic
• Butterworth Jewellers
• Number Ten
• Funky Monkey
• Chantilly
• Brown's Cakes

Moreover, the Rochdale business community overall remains vibrant and dynamic in many different industry sectors. Investments in the Rochdale borough are some of the highest in the North West, making Rochdale still a very desirable area to do business.