Banqueting space greenlit at Rochdale’s Wheatsheaf
Conversion of 18,000 sq ft of former library space across the fifth and six floors has been signed off by the local authority.
Plans designed by S&A Architectural Services for Bristol-registered centre owner DHA Corporates outline a project that also includes alterations to the fifth floor parking level, to create a new entrance for the venue.
The Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre was closed permanently following the 2020 Covid lockdowns by its then-owner MCR Property. The 160,000 sq ft complex had been opened in 1991.
The library moved to Number One Riverside in 2013. The Wheatsheaf was sold in late 2022, having been marketed by WT Gunson at £3m.
Bringing a banqueting and events space to the vacant library floors will, hopes the applicant, provide a compelling story in a part of the town centre that also has the new-build Hampton by Hilton hotel and the Rochdale Riverside retail & leisure development.
An alcohol licence will not be sought for the banqueting facility. As set out in the planning statement, the intention is that the space accommodates pre-wedding functions, wedding events, business conferences, and public gatherings.
The fifth-floor venue is designed to host up to 280 people, while the sixth-floor venue will accommodate up to 180 people at a time.
S&A’s planning statement said that the proposal comes in response to the Rochdale Renaissance masterplan in providing a versatile events space:
“Establishing lively, mixed-use areas around the town centre aims to invigorate these spaces and strengthen the local identity. Furthermore, providing new facilities that cater to a wider range of the community enhances social inclusion and helps keep this business within Rochdale.
“Many functions and events, including weddings, concerts, and dinners, are currently held outside the town in other cities. This proposal seeks to retain a larger share of such commercial activities within Rochdale, responding to the high local demand.”
Documents relating to the change of use application can be viewed on Rochdale Council’s planning portal, with the reference 24/00632/FUL.
Certainly not my favourite building in Rochdale Town Centre, but will be good to see a new use for part of the building. Clearly aimed at the Asian wedding and celebration market, something that probably isn’t well served in the town despite the local demographics. Maybe some of the vacant retail space might now be attractive to the sorts of specialist businesses that support that sector. Good to see that the new owners are more active than MCR Property were. It as always struck me as bizarre that even the retail units that open on to the Riverside retail and leisure development have not been marketed.
By Nick B