Market traders approach second year at ‘temporary site’

Rochdale Market

Rochdale market traders are approaching their second anniversary at their ‘temporary’ location on the site of the old ‘Black Box’.

After the Exchange Shopping Centre was sold in October 2013, the market had to find a new location. Rochdale Online reported in December 2014 Rochdale Market was to move to the site of the ‘Black Box’ as a temporary measure and was to begin operating in early 2015.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/93096/

Two years on, they are still operating without basic facilities such as running water, electricity, heating and toilets.

Ian McGovern, of Moose Guitars, said: “We’ve really been battling the elements these last few weeks on the market. Whilst people dream of winning the lottery, we dream of having a roof, running water, toilets and electricity that doesn’t trip out the moment you put the kettle on.”

Clifford Harker, who runs the Haberdashery, said: “Most days here it’s wet and windy and that really affects us. People don’t go out when it’s wet and horrible and if they do, there’s no cover for those out shopping on the market. You lose trade because when there are no customers, you can end up packing up and going home early.”

In October last year, the stallholders submitted a tender to become the new operators of Rochdale Market to provide a co-operative market that ‘the people of Rochdale can be proud of’.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/106733//

The market traders, also known as ‘The New Rochdale Pioneers’, are hoping to find out the result of their tender application within the next week.

It is expected the market will be operating from the new site at The Butts and the Santander building by Easter (April) this year.

Mr McGovern added: “If we’re successful with the tender result, we look forward to working hand-in-hand with the council to help provide a market this town deserves.”

John Searle, Director of Economy at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “No one is more eager for the arrival of the new market, which is part of our huge town centre regeneration programme, than the Council.

“We have been clear that the temporary site, by its nature, could not have the same facilities as a permanent location. While the temporary location is not ideal, the alternative would be no market at all, as the Council stepped in to provide this facility when the Exchange Shopping Centre was sold, to ensure the continuation of Rochdale’s great market tradition.”