Middleton Market to reopen on Tuesday 23 June

Middleton Market is reopening on 23 June

The familiar scene of the green and white market stalls in Middleton will be a welcome sight from Tuesday (23 June), as Middleton Market reopens.

Over the last few months, Middleton Gardens has resembled a ghost town, with the Covid-19 pandemic forcing businesses to close. Whilst a few larger stores in the shopping centre have remained open, the green and white trader stalls have been missed.

Manager of the market and Middleton Town Centre Management, Victoria Davies said: "I am really pleased and excited that Middleton Market is able to reopen again on Tuesday 23 June. The market management and directors have worked tirelessly alongside Rochdale Borough Council and their public protection team to ensure that our market is a safe place for staff, traders and members of the public to be and I would like to pass on my thanks to them all for their hard work over the last few weeks.

“There will be some noticeable changes in the town centre for both traders and shoppers and these are in place to ensure maximum safety and protection. I would ask all members of the public to please adhere to any guidance and signage that is apparent in the town centre and with their cooperation we will be able to provide a safe market and town centre for them to begin to enjoy again."

Chair of Middleton Township, Councillor Donna Williams expressed her excitement at the news, as well as stressing how much work has gone in to implementing safety measures. She said: “Middleton Market is a much-loved community asset which supports independent traders and their customers, and we are pleased to be able to announce this exciting news.

“We are entering an important next phase of the economic recovery in Middleton and the reopening of the market and the town centre is a critical step in helping traders restart their business. We have put in place measures to ensure the shoppers maintain social distancing and we are asking the public to support the traders in adhering to government guidelines.

“Supporting local traders and businesses at this time is essential and we would welcome people to shop local and support our traders.”

Middleton North Ward Councillor Kallum Nolan added: “With businesses inevitably hitting a slump in recent months, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has led a rally cry of “Spend for Britain” – well Middleton Town Centre Management, local councillors and local businesses are now crying out for residents to “Spend for Middleton” this coming Tuesday.

“Let’s do our bit and get Middleton town centre back on its feet. Spend local, enjoy the local cafés, stay safe and help us move forward.”