High street pioneer’s call to action

Paul Turner-Mitchell

Award winning retailer Paul Turner-Mitchell is calling on all Rochdale residents to get behind a bid to transform the town centre.

Mr Turner-Mitchell who is named in leading fashion magazine Drapers’ top 100 power list for 2011, is backing the town’s bid to become one of only 12 towns to pilot a scheme to revitalise the country’s high streets.

He said: “I am so excited by this opportunity to re-invent our town centre. The ideas we’re developing respond to what people have told us they want and will give everyone, of every age group, a reason to come and enjoy Rochdale and spend time in the town centre.

“I want everyone to share my excitement. By working together we will make our application stronger - so come on Rochdale let’s back the bid!”

It’s really easy to get involved – you can like the bid at www.facebook/portaspioneers then encourage your friends to do the same to show borough-wide support.

Alternatively you can email portaspioneers@rochdale.gov.uk or write to Portas Pioneers, Floor 4, Municipal Offices, Smith Street, Rochdale, OL16 1XU before Friday 30 March.

Over 300 people have already pledged their support via Facebook since the campaign was launched less than a week ago.

Council Leader Colin Lambert said: “Public involvement is so important. Town centres will only survive if people want to visit them so the ideas and suggestions from Rochdale residents about what they want to see will play a massive role as we develop our bid.

“As part of the bid we also want to show that people are passionate about transforming our town centre. It’ll only take seconds for them to join up and I urge them to do so.”

The High Street Foundation, chaired by Mr Turner-Mitchell, represents over 130 high street businesses and has been co-ordinating and developing their ideas to inform the bid submission.

Focus groups have been taking place with young people at Rochdale Sixth Form and Hopwood Hall Colleges. Their ideas have included an entertainment zone, outdoor food court, a regular programme of events and festivals and mobile phone applications to promote the town centre.

Local celebrities have also spoken out in support of the bid. Radio and TV presenter Liz Kershaw, who was born in Rochdale, said making sure young people are involved was one of the keys to a successful application.

“I’ve met some fantastic young people who are really passionate about the borough, and that’s good to see. The Sixth Form College has had a real impact on the town, and made me quite excited about the future.

“The town certainly has lots of potential that I am pleased is starting to be realised. The plans to breathe new life into Rochdale town centre, and projects like the new Rochdale Emporium are bold, but a real step in the right direction.”

The chosen towns will be known as Portas Pilots and, alongside a share of the money, will benefit from the support and expertise of Mary Portas herself and the Local Government Minister Grant Shapps.