Middleton Shopping Centre could become leisure mall

Middleton Shopping Centre could soon see shops, bars and restaurants added as owners Elendi look to transform the centre into a leisure mall.

It is understood that Elendi has applied to Rochdale Council to allow them to change the use of a number of units as they want more freedom to be able to deal with vacant units.

Currently 20% of the shopping centres 82 units are expected to have planning terms relaxed to allow them to become a leisure outlets.

It is understood that the majority of those units are adjacent to Middleton Bus Station with option of office space also being considered.

Mark Widdup, Director of Economy and Environment at Rochdale Council, said:  “The Council and Rochdale Development Agency have been working with the new shopping centre owners in Middleton to encourage private sector investment following the council funded improvements to Middleton Gardens.  

“This is another huge vote of confidence for the ongoing regeneration of Middleton town centre and the borough as a whole. The council welcomes moves to invest in our town centres, as it boosts prosperity and creates jobs. When new businesses come into an area it also provides additional vibrancy and supports existing businesses as well as encouraging more businesses to invest.”