Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre in receivership

Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre in receivership

The Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre in Rochdale has been placed into receivership.

KPMG has been appointed receiver, but shop keepers and shoppers have been assured that it is business as usual at the centre.

A joint statement from Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency, read: "Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) are aware that the Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre has been placed in the hands of the receiver, KPMG.

“All of the stores at the centre will remain open, and it will be business as usual.

“KPMG, the Council and RDA are working together to ensure the Wheatsheaf Centre continues to play an important role in Rochdale Town Centre.”

Cabinet member for Skills and Economic Recovery, Councillor Keith Swift said: “It is a shock for everyone involved.

“The council will monitor the situation closely and help the receivers in any way possible.”

The Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Ashley Dearnley said: “It is very sad that this is happening but I am pleased that the shops can still trade there so it won’t make any difference to the public.

“I hope the issues can soon be resolved so that Rochdale can continue to entice new shops into the area.”

The Shopping Centre’s Manager, Martin Ballard said: “With leading national retailers, strong independents, and footfall figures which are suggesting that 2010 will be the busiest year since records began for the Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre- it really is business as usual. We are looking forward to an exciting Autumn season and a successful run up to the end of the year for all our retailers.”

The Exchange Shopping centre Manager Lorenzo O’Reilly said: “The Wheatsheaf is an important part of the town centre’s retail offer and it is very much business as usual.”

Rochdale Town Centre Management refused to comment.