Rochdale to benefit from Future High Streets Fund

The leisure block of the Rochdale Riverside development

Rochdale has been named as one of 100 towns so far which will benefit from the £1 billion Future High Streets Fund, Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed on Monday (26 August).

Launched in December 2018 as part of the government’s plan for the high street, the £1 billion Future High Streets Fund will help local leaders implement bold new visions to transform their town centres and make them fit for the future.

The funding could be used to improve transport and access into town centres, convert empty retail units into new homes and workplaces, and invest in vital infrastructure.

Councillor John Blundell, cabinet member for regeneration at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We’re in the middle of a major regeneration project which is transforming Rochdale town centre and this announcement is an important endorsement from national government about the success of this work and the impact it’s having.

“We are already investing £400m in Rochdale town centre, but any additional funding is of course welcome. It will allow us to build on the work we are already undertaking and explore even more ways that we can improve Rochdale town centre.”

Paul Ambrose, Rochdale Business Improvement District Manager, added: “The announcement that Rochdale is through to the next stage of the Future High Street Fund competition fits perfectly with the ongoing plans to regenerate and rejuvenate the town centre.

“At this stage we have won a grant of up to £150,000 to prepare a detailed plan and the BID looks forward to working with partners through the High Street Task Force.”

Rochdale town centre has also recently beaten off stiff competition to be shortlisted in the Government’s Great British High Street Awards, putting it in the running for up to £15,000.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/129698/rochdale-shortlisted-to-win-great-british-high-street-prize

It is one of only 28 high streets across the country in the Rising Star category, and the only one in Greater Manchester, which celebrates up and coming local communities who are transforming their future.

The shortlisted bid highlighted all the work taking place in the town centre, which is the middle of a £400m transformation programme.

These include high profile developments, like retail and leisure scheme, Rochdale Riverside, which has already signed Next, M&S, JD Sports, Boots and River Island and the six screen Reel Cinema.

The development, which has just added H&M and Hollywood Bowl’s new mini golf concept, Puttstars, is due to open to the public in spring next year.