Have your say on the future of Rochdale Market

Rochdale Market currently located in the Exchange Shopping Centre

Local residents are being asked to tell the council what sort of market they would like via a public consultation.

A seven week consultation began at the start of January following the council taking over the market charter - securing its immediate future.

To date, the council has received 183 responses to the online consultation, with a further 80 people filling out the consultation form in the market and local libraries.

Currently located indoors at the Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre, Rochdale Market has more then 100 stallholders.

The council’s consultation states: “This consultation seeks to find out from the public what sort of market we should provide that would make you want to visit, enjoy and do business with.”

Questions asked as part of the consultation document include whether the town centre should have a market at all, how frequently people use it, where it should be located, should it be indoors or outdoors and what days it should be open to the public.

Councillor Peter Williams, Cabinet Member for Economic Development at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “The development of Rochdale market is an important part of the regeneration of the town, which we all have a stake in.

"I’m pleased to see that people have got involved and made their views known and I’d encourage many more people to share their thoughts on this, as we’re determined to give Rochdale people the market they deserve.”

The council originally sold off the market charter around 20 years ago but took it back following the sale of the Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre at the end of October 2013.

The consultation comes to an end on 16 February.

To take part, visit:

http://consultations.rochdale.gov.uk/research/rochdale-town-centre-market/consult_view

A hard copy can be picked up at libraries across the borough or at Rochdale market.

Visitors to Rochdale town centre can also look out for a pop up stall outside Beale’s department store, which will canvass shoppers on selected days between now and 16 February.