Rochdale Riverside Market re-opens

The Rochdale Riverside Market has this week re-opened on The Butts, in line with government advice to maintain social distancing.

The market has been redesigned to follow government guidelines; measures have been put in place to ensure that the market’s stalls are not overcrowded, such as two-metre markings on the ground, signs on every stall and hand sanitiser is available for traders and customers alike.

The market’s operator, Mrs Oliver, said: “I want visitors to have a safe experience whilst shopping but I am also doing my utmost to protect my traders. I hold regular meetings to make sure traders are following procedures and to see if they are happy.

“This is an anxious time for everyone and, unfortunately, this is going to have to be the world operates for some time so it's important that everyone follows social distancing measures.”

 

 

Rochdale Riverside Market features a variety of stalls – including fresh fruit, veg and herbs, electricals, fashion for men and women, two fabric stalls, a bedding stall, handmade carvings and signs – and will soon welcome two new food stalls, Dedzstreetfoodz and Vanilla Dreams Bakery.

Mrs Oliver has also teamed up with Rochdale Development Agency to start a young traders’ market, which she wants up and running “as soon as possible”.

She explained: “Hopwood Hall College has some very talented students and there is no reason why the younger generation cannot bring their talent to the market and also earn a wage while doing so.

“There is nothing more rewarding than having your own business and the easiest way to start a business is by doing a market stall. This market is not just for students, but for any young person who is looking to start a business; if I find a young person who is committed and passionate and wants to build a business, I will personally financially support that young person.

“I want chefs, artists, paint sprayers, musicians, DJs, singers, bakers, arts and crafts, fashion, florists; anyone that can bring their talent to a market.”

She concluded: “I am also looking for volunteers to help around the market and if I see potential, then hopefully if the market grows then I am willing to employ them.

“Rochdale has a new retail and leisure complex and I am hoping to bring a new vibrant market, not just for the older generation, but also for the younger generation.”

 

 

Rochdale became one of the first towns in Lancashire to obtain a market charter when it was granted in 1251.

The council began running the market after the Exchange Shopping Centre, where it was previously based, was sold in 2015. After operating from temporary sites on Smith Street and Yorkshire Street, an external operator was selected to run the market in 2017 before the contract was terminated after failing to live up to expectations.

The council took control of the market again from October 2018 until October 2019, when it handed the reins to Mrs Oliver, who has thanked Rochdale Development Agency, Levi Rickell and Councillor John Blundell for supporting the traders and allowing the market to continue.

Rochdale Riverside Market is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 9am to 5pm.

For more details about having a stall or volunteering, please contact Mrs Oliver on 07947 525778.