Rochdale Riverside development will transform the heart of the town centre

Phase One of Rochdale Riverside will comprise the new anchor department store for Marks & Spencer to relocate into, plus 13 other retail units all with potential for mezzanine levels, and includes the Next store which will be new to Rochdale town centre.

Alongside the retail units will be nine leisure, food and drink units accompanied by a six-screen cinema to be operated by Reel Cinemas.

There will also be a two decked car park, and in total up to 546 car parking spaces. The development will result in the net loss of 57 spaces. However, approximately 40% of the current spaces remain unoccupied during the week and more than half on Saturdays. The town centre as a whole has considerable spare capacity at all times.

The creation of 50 cycle parking spaces will be increased if well utilised.

A new central retail street will be created that angles across from 'The Hub' at Smith Street (opposite Number One Riverside) to a public square - Baillie Square - at the entrance to the Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre.

The new shopping street will be user friendly with street trees and catenary lighting (lighting suspended from overhead cables which increases the usability of the public footprint as a greater area is gained, free of obstructive poles and structural supports) and seating opportunities spaced evenly along the street.

 

Rochdale Riverside - new public realm

 

At the eastern end of the retail street will be 'The Hub' which connects with Smith Street, opposite Number One Riverside. There will be a series of grassed slopes integrated with seating benches and dining terraces. 

Leading off this public space, between the M&S and Next units, will be the Penn Street link. This link connects the development with Yorkshire Street and will include 'sensitive lighting and green walls, to create a safe and attractive route for use during both day and night'. 

Soft landscaping across the development will include trees, grassed areas and shrub and herbaceous planting.

 

Rochdale Riverside - zone plan

 

The development, which is due to start in summer, will bring a number of financial/economic benefits, including during construction:

• 744 - 1,030 Full Time Equivalent employment opportunities created through the operational phase of the development.
• Approximately £10.8 - £15.7 million per annum from permanent jobs delivered in the local area.
• 143 temporary construction jobs over the 80-week construction programme.
• A one-off temporary construction employment value of over £4.2 million.
• Business rates generation of approximately £2.7 - £3 million annually to be retained by Rochdale Council.

Phase two of the development will provide further jobs, construction project jobs and additional business rates.

As well as the retail and leisure elements, the Rochdale Riverside development will also include 100 apartments right in the heart of the town centre. The developers aim is to 'grow a sustainable neighbourhood'.

There will also be a new 100 bedroom hotel, offices and smaller retail, commercial and community uses at ground floor arranged around a third public space.

Phase One is programmed to complete over a 19-month build starting in Summer 2017 to allow for opening in early 2019. Phase Two will provide the office, hotel, residential and other commercial uses and is anticipated to take 24-months to complete. Phase Two will not commence until after Phase One is completed.

Rochdale Riverside key views:

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/107415/rochdale-riverside-development-key-views

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