Packer Street venues ready to pack them in again

Photo: Google, DigitalGlobe

Packer Street, pictured before work to pedestrianise Town Hall Square was completed

Bars and clubs in Rochdale’s Packer Street are reopening their doors after closing temporarily to help speed up the development of the new Town Hall Square, part of the ongoing restoration of the Grade I-listed town hall.

Yates, Ko-Ko Lounge, The Empire and The Flying Horse Hotel will reopen today (Friday 13 January) and return to their normal opening times following closure for the completion of work outside their premises.

Packer Street closed for 10 days at the beginning of the year so that vital work, including key drainage work, could be carried out as quickly as possible with the least amount of disruption.

Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for equalities, safety and reform, said: “We are very grateful that all the businesses along Packer Street agreed to work with us to close temporarily so that the team could carry out this essential work to expand the new Town Hall Square up to the street.

“We saw the closure as the best way to do the work as quickly as possible for the minimum disruption. I am glad we have been able to keep to the deadline we set out so that all the bars can now reopen and continue to offer fantastic experiences in the future.”

Work on the new Town Hall Square continues apace and the council is working with the contractor to accelerate its completion. Already a large swathe has been installed and once finished will feature grassed areas, landscaping, outdoor seating and events space to enhance the cultural offer for residents and visitors.

Paul Ambrose, Rochdale BID (Business Improvement Dstrict) manager, said: “Many thanks to the council for ensuring the works were completed within the deadline they had set out and it’s great to see part of the new Town Hall Square being revealed.  The BID looks forward to seeing the square being fully revealed as this world-class public realm and event space will provide another positive step in the ongoing transformation of the town centre”.

Check with the venues for opening times.