Genr8 submits Rochdale Riverside plans
Genr8 Developments has lodged a planning application for its long-awaited £60m retail and leisure scheme in Rochdale town centre.
Designed by TP Bennett Architects, the Rochdale Riverside proposal totals approximately 200,000 sq ft, consisting of 24 retail and leisure units ranging from 1,000 to 20,000 sq ft, a six-screen cinema operated by Reel Cinemas and around 350 car parking spaces.
The retail units will all be constructed to a height of around 10 metres to allow retailers to trade from both ground and mezzanine levels. M&S and Next have signed up for 50,000 sq ft and 22,000 sq ft stores respectively.
The application is expected to be considered early in the New Year. Demolition works have begun and construction works are due to start by late summer 2017.
The scheme is being jointly delivered by Genr8 Developments and Kajima in partnership with Rochdale Borough Council. Cheetham & Mortimer and Lambert Smith Hampton are the letting agents.
Warwick Smither, partner at Cheetham & Mortimer, said: “We are in detailed negotiations with a number of major operators who are looking to secure representation in Rochdale Riverside. On top of the tenants already secured, these additional retailers and leisure occupiers will help reposition Rochdale and regenerate the whole town centre.”
The demolition of existing buildings on site is already underway
Cllr Richard Farnell, leader of Rochdale Council, said: “Rochdale Riverside is an important part of our £250m regeneration programme, which has transformed Rochdale beyond all recognition since 2010. This latest milestone is another boost to our borough’s retail offer, coming just weeks after the submission of a planning application for a brand new Rochdale Market.
“The new stores and high street names will attract new shoppers back to town and give a massive boost to all retailers. It’s a unique mix of retail and leisure which will create 1,000 new jobs and boost the local economy by £17m.”
An exhibition of the proposals will be on display at the Council Offices, No.1 Riverside for two weeks from Monday 28 November.
