Quarterbridge new Rochdale market operator

A computer generated image of how the new market could look

Market specialists Quarterbridge has been chosen as the new operator of Rochdale Market.

Essex-based Quarterbridge, which has been in the business for three decades, count Accrington and Blackburn markets amongst its successful turnarounds.

A statement on its website reads: “Nobody knows better than us how to revitalise an under-performing market or release the potential of an underused site.”

In October 2016, the stallholders submitted a tender to become the new operators of Rochdale Market, under ‘The New Rochdale Pioneers’, to provide a co-operative market that ‘the people of Rochdale can be proud of’.

Clifford Harker, chairman of the New Rochdale Pioneers Ltd, expressed his disappointment at the group's unsuccessful bid.

He said: “We’re very disappointed and we plan to strongly object to the decision. We consider local people serving the people of Rochdale to be a good thing to bring to the table. We had a lot of support with petitions and signatures and it seems like the majority of people wanted us to run the market.”

A spokesperson for Rochdale Borough Council said: “Rochdale town centre has taken another big step forward, with plans to appoint market turnaround specialists Quarterbridge to take forward the redevelopment of Rochdale Market.”

It is expected the market will be operating from the new site at The Butts and the Santander building by Easter (April) this year. The former Santander Bank was purchased by RMBC in December 2016.