Jordan family looking forward to new market opening after 90 years trading on Rochdale market

Peter Jordan is looking forward to the market move

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Peter Jordan, a farmer whose family have been trading on Rochdale market for over 90 years, is looking forward to a fresh new start when the market reopens on the former black box site.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/93591/new-rochdale-market-opens-next-week

Mr Jordan, 70, has sold his farm produce on his Rochdale market stall since he was a teenager back in 1959.

The Jordan family’s history is part of the market’s heritage, with Peter’s grandfather, Patrick, setting up the family’s stall on Yorkshire Street back in 1919. The family have moved with the market ever since and retained their loyal customer base.

Mr Jordan, who now sells eggs and plants which he produces on his smallholding and nursery, said: “It feels like a new dawn for the market and that’s an exciting prospect. We have always managed to retain our customer base, but the markets have suffered with the advent of supermarkets and discount stores and the people who managed the market before didn’t have much interest in developing it.

“Putting the market next to the car parks, bus station and metrolink will be a great boost. Stalls, particularly ones selling heavier items like fruit and vegetables, have suffered as a result of being too far away from the transport links. This will be a shot in the arm for the market.”

Council Leader Richard Farnell said: “Peter’s story shows that the market is an important part of Rochdale’s past and the council sees it is an equally important part of its future.

“Peter’s family have been trading in Rochdale for over 90 years and I’m sure they will still be trading successfully here in Rochdale in 90 years time.”

The new market will open at 9am on Thursday 22 January. It will be open initially for six days a week, Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm, with the flea market operating on Tuesdays.