Shopping centre launches memory appeal for milestone birthday

Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre

Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre is on the lookout for memories of the town, as the shopping centre prepares for its milestone 40^th birthday with history, heritage and a celebration weekend.

2018 marks 40 years since Rochdale Exchange was opened by locally-born actress and singer, Gracie Fields, and the centre is appealing for people to share their memories of the town since 1978.

The shopping centre will be collecting memories from members of the community, including the staff and shoppers of Rochdale Exchange, to create a memory wall, which will be unveiled at the 40^th birthday celebrations on Saturday 15 September.

Lorenzo O’Reilly, Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre manager, said he can’t wait to celebrate the shopping centre’s milestone birthday.

He said: “The build of Rochdale Exchange came in two phases back in 1975 and 1976 and was officially opened by Gracie Fields on 16 September 1978. She also opened the Gracie Fields Theatre on the same day.

“Even though our celebratory event isn’t until September, an early appeal to the community will ensure we create an authentic snapshot of how fantastic Rochdale has been since 1978 to the present day.

“We are asking people to share anything and everything about their recollections and reminiscences of Rochdale Exchange and the town including photographs, ticket stubs, football shirts, newspaper articles and more.

* To share your memories of the town and Rochdale Exchange, please drop them off at the Centre Management Suite or email them to claire.lancaster@bewonder.co.uk, before Friday 20 July. Items will be returned to contributors following the event.