Rochdale Town Centre bids for national award

The Great British High Street Awards

Rochdale Town Centre Management, with help from Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency, has entered the Great British High Street Awards.

The town centre, which has been transformed over the past five years and is set to change further, is vying for the Rising Star crown in the annual initiative. If successful, Rochdale would share in a cash pot and receive dedicated support and mentoring from industry experts.

Mark Foxley, of Rochdale Town Centre Management, said: "In Rochdale there have been many great projects, such as Revealing the Roch, Rochdale in Bloom and the recent Gracie Fields statue unveiling, which have enhanced the beauty and vitality of our town. This year there's been an event in the town centre almost every month.

"In addition, the council’s business rates initiative has brought investment to the town along with free parking for up to three hours increasing footfall, we've created a new website and town-centre guides, and we're only just getting started. In a few years Rochdale will be a different landscape and you can already see the massive improvements.

"The Great British High Street Awards is a brilliant opportunity for us and the Rising Star accolade would be a great achievement.

"High streets are a vital part of our local economy, providing jobs as well as offering a valuable community space."

Once a shortlist of entries has been announced, people will be able to vote for their favourite.

The Great British High Street organisation, a not-for-profit body, supports the regeneration of high streets across Britain and celebrates innovative schemes.

A spokesman for the awards said: "We have been bowled over by the number and quality of the entries and are now busy considering all the applications."

Finalists will be announced next month.