World Café opens its doors to Rochdale

Rochdale’s team: Suzy Woods, Frances Fielding, Debbie O’Brien and Elaine Simons at the London event

Pioneering projects being spearheaded by the team bidding to make Rochdale one of the country’s first Portas Pilots towns are being showcased at a London exhibition for delegates from across Europe.

Rochdale is one of just 14 exhibitors taking part in the World Café Exhibition today (Thursday) with representatives of Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Town Centre Management Company (RTCM) attending.

The event, hosted by the Association of Town Centre Management (ATCM), highlights the work being undertaken in Rochdale at a time when revitalising high streets is top of the agenda thanks to the Portas Pilot competition.

Rochdale has captured the imagination of the ATCM with groundbreaking initiatives including the Emporium and the borough’s High Street Foundation.

Council Leader Councillor Colin Lambert said: “To be chosen as one of only a handful of exhibitors is fantastic. It’s a real endorsement for the work we’re already doing to make Rochdale a place that people want to visit and spend time in.

“It couldn’t come at a better time – as we move towards finalising our bid to be a Portas Pilot town this really puts Rochdale on the European map.”

Debbie O’Brien, Chief Executive of RTCM, said: “We are honoured to have been chosen to represent Rochdale at this exclusive event exchanging ideas and experiences with the exhibitors and delegates.”

Over 150 delegates from across Europe are attending the exhibition to highlight the phenomenal work being undertaken in town centres throughout the world.

Exhibitors were invited from Sicily, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece and the UK with Wimbledon and Brighton being chosen as well as Rochdale.