McDonald’s in town centre to close

McDonalds's, Yorkshire Street, Rochdale Town Centre

McDonald’s in Rochdale town centre is to close.

The fast food chain on Yorkshire Street will cease trading at the site on 19 November.

Bosses of the chain have put the decision down to changing trading patterns in the town centre.

Staff at the site will be relocated, meaning there won’t be any compulsory redundancies.

A McDonald’s spokesperson, said: “We can confirm that McDonald’s has taken the decision to close the restaurant at Yorkshire Street, Rochdale.

“This is not a decision we have taken lightly. We constantly review our estate and after seeing trading patterns in the town centre change, we have taken the difficult decision to cease trading at this site.

“All staff are being relocated to neighbouring restaurants so no compulsory redundancies will take place as a result of this closure.

“With over 1,200 restaurants across the UK, it’s essential that we continue to have the right restaurants in the right places to ensure we stay relevant and convenient for our customers. The high street environment continues to change, and opening, closing or relocating restaurants enables us to take an integrated, focused and strategic approach to future growth.

“The restaurant will be closing on 19 November.” 

Andy Zuntz, Executive Director at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We are very disappointed that McDonald’s have decided to close their restaurant in the town centre at such short notice and without any discussions with us.

“The outlet is very popular and I’m sure its Rochdale customers are as disappointed as we are at the decision.

“Given the regeneration activity taking place in the town centre, and the ambitious plans we have, we are surprised at this decision that McDonald’s have taken but we don’t have any control over decisions such as these taken by the private sector.

“We are confident that many restaurants as well as other businesses will want to be in our town centre as our exciting plans move forward.” 

Debbie O’Brien, Chief Executive for Rochdale Town Centre Management, added: “We’re really sorry to hear this worrying news and very disappointed that McDonalds decided not to work with us and the Council to find a way for them to stay in the town centre.

“Obviously current trading conditions are very difficult for everyone and it’s such a shame to lose an integral business in Rochdale.”

Paul Turner-Mitchell, Director of 25 Ten Boutique, said the news was a “massive blow” to the town centre.

He added: “The kind of loss of any retailer in Rochdale - especially with the fairly limited offer we have - is desperate news.”

Mr Turner-Mitchell said the Council needs to look at a short term regeneration plan for the town centre.