High Street Foundation celebrates first anniversary

Photo: Journeaux

No 1 Riverside

Rochdale High Street Foundation held a first anniversary celebration at Number One Riverside, the new council offices, last night (20 March) where the Foundation members celebrated achievements over the last 12 months and listened to a number of speakers outline future plans for Rochdale.

A year on over 200 businesses have become members of the Foundation including retailers, cafes, bars, restaurants, recruitment agencies, market traders, estate agents, solicitors and accountants.

Peter Rowlinson, head of planning at Rochdale Council outlined the progress made in the Borough's town centres during the past 12 months. He also discussed projects due to commence soon; the opening of the River Roch at The Butts and plans for Rochdale Town Hall once all council staff have transferred to Number One Riverside.

Foundation chairman Paul Clark gave special thanks to Mr Rowlinson, who retires in June, for his contribution to Rochdale.

Rochdale Council Director, Mark Widdup, outlined his future priorities for Rochdale Borough and said the Council is "committed to supporting the town centres across Rochdale Borough".

Mr Widdup also said he is keen to hear from local businesses what their priorities are for the borough.

Gary Davies detailed the timescale for demolition of the old municipal offices (Black Box), the bus station, Telegraph House, St Andrew's Church and the Broadwater Centre and his colleague Jonathan Hindle from the Rochdale Development Agency demonstrated the Rochdale Town Centre Mobile App which has now gone live:

http://www.townguideapps.com/apps/rochdale_app.html

Jeanette Stayley, Community Safety Manager, Rochdale Council and John Taylor from Greater Manchester Police gave a presentation on community safety.

It was also announced that 'Incredible Edibles' will launch in Rochdale on 29 April and there will be an Easter Fair in the town centre.

Other speakers were North West Town Teams Advisor Lisa Durkin, Rochdale Town Centre Manager Debbie O'Brien, Sue Warburton from Winning Pitch and John Kennedy of Heywood Magic Market.

Following the meeting members were taken on a guided tour of the new Municipal Offices.