Rochdale Riverside: Boots, River Island and JD Sports sign up

How Rochdale Riverside could look

Boots, River Island and JD Sports have signed up to Rochdale Riverside, Rochdale’s new town centre retail and leisure development.

The new Boots store will sell luxury brands alongside its usual product lines.

River Island will be a new two level store featuring a ground floor and mezzanine.

JD Sports will open a new store which will be almost three times the size of its existing Yorkshire Street store, enabling it to stock a significantly wider product range.

M&G Investments has agreed it will fund the £80m project - to be paid back over a 35-year period, funded by the rental income received from occupiers.

Councillor John Blundell, cabinet member for regeneration at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “These brands have seen the millions of pounds of investment which has gone into Rochdale town centre in recent years and really want to be part of the exciting future that we are delivering for our residents and visitors.”

Councillor Allen Brett, Leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: "We are serious about transforming the fortunes of our borough and you only have to look around to see the massive changes that have already taken place."

The Rochdale Riverside development will bring 24 new shops, restaurants and leisure facilities to the heart of Rochdale town centre. Around 350 parking spaces will also be built as part of the development.

Investigatory and preparatory work has already been carried out at the site. Construction is expected to start at the end of February, with completion due in summer 2020.

The scheme is being delivered jointly by Genr8 Developments and Kajima in partnership with Rochdale Borough Council.

Boots and River Island currently have stores in the Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre.