Rochdale Riverside launch postponed

The opening of the town’s £80m shopping centre, which was scheduled for early April, has been delayed as a result of the ongoing pandemic. 

The scheme is being brought forward by developer Genr8 Developments, Japanese investor Kajima and Rochdale Council, with the parties in discussions over a revised start while lead contractor Willmott Dixon remains on site. 

The 200,000 sq ft shopping centre features Marks & Spencer as its anchor tenant as well as H&M, JD Sports, River Island and Next at the TP Bennett-designed complex. 

The planned opening had been dealt a blow in early March when the filming of the latest James Bond film, No Time to Die, was halted in response to the virus outbreak. The opening of the six-screen Reel Cinema at Riverside had been scheduled to coincide with the film’s release.

Mike Smith, partner at Genr8, said: “Given the current situation and continuing developments surrounding Covid-19, we decided to postpone the launch celebrations and the scheme-wide event at Rochdale Riverside, which had been scheduled to take place Friday 10 April.

“We are monitoring government guidance daily and are taking all measures outlined and speaking daily with our operators to confirm individual plans. We are fully aware that these plans may change as they continue to monitor government advice and respond accordingly.” 

Cheetham & Mortimer and Lyons Thompson Letts are joint letting agents on Rochdale Riverside.