Plans submitted for changes to Middleton Shopping Centre

Plans have been submitted to Rochdale Council which could see Middleton Shopping Centre undergo some big changes.

• External alterations including new cladding and shop frontages, and amended service doors.
• A single story extension comprising of 235sqm of flexible retail floor space and 25sqm of circulation space.
• The amalgamation of existing units to create four enlarged units.
• Four bicycles stands.
• Public realm improvements including new landscaping and security bollards.
• Reinstatement and expansion/alteration of a previous car parking area for short stay/drop off car park of 12 spaces, three of which are dedicated disabled spaces.
• Amended access at the south east bus station frontage of the shopping centre.

The planning statement states: “This area of Middleton Town centre is currently a bland and somewhat dated gateway location when entering Middleton from the south and the Middleton Bus Terminal.

“It is currently under-utilised with pedestrians predominately choosing to travel through Middleton Shopping Centre to access Middleton Gardens and the wider town centre. This area therefore suffers from a lack of activity which has resulted in a high level (78%) of vacancies within the retail units.

“The proposed improvements and environmental enhancements will improve this area of the centre to the benefit of the character and appearance of the wider Middleton area.” 

The application, which has been submitted to the council by CBRE Ltd, on behalf of Ellandi Ltd.

It is not yet known when a decision on the plans will be made.