New management sought for Middleton Market
A vibrant
company is being sought to manage Middleton Market in a bid to provide a
better shopping experience and entice people into the town centre.
A planning
application has already been approved to allow Middleton’s
temporary street market to move to a permanent location at Middleton Gardens.
The
new market, which is expected to open early next year, will provide a key
link between the shopping centre and a new Tesco superstore. The location
is also convenient as it provides a direct link to the town centre shops
and the new bus station.
All interested companies are invited to tender by
August 29 and the licence will be granted prior to January 1, next year.
The
successful operator will work alongside Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council
in delivering a successful, diverse and vibrant street market for the town.
The proposed site could accommodate up to 50 demountable stalls, with plans
for expansion in future.
Ownership of the market will be retained by the Council
and the new operator will be expected to provide their own stalls, trading
equipment and storage facilities. The new operator will be free to consider
special themed shopping days such as French, German and Italian food markets.
Rochdale Development Agency is facilitating the relocation as part of the
regeneration of the town centre which also involves the development of a £14
million sports and entertainment facility called the Middleton Arena and
building work will start early next year on a new 60,000sq ft Tesco superstore.
Martin
Ledson, Middleton Project Officer for Rochdale Development Agency, said: “We
are delighted that the market will be re-locating as the move is likely to
entice new shoppers into the town centre. We anticipate that the market will
help to create a buzz in the town and that themed days and continental markets
will offer people a whole new shopping experience.”
Rochdale Development
Agency is working with the Council to progress the transformation of the
town centre and this move is within the masterplan for the area.
As part of
the changing face of the centre, Middleton Shopping Centre has undergone
a £9 million refurbishment and expansion to provide 300,000
sq ft of new retail space.
The successful operator will initially be given
a 24 month notice, and the Council will retain its Royal Charter and freehold
interest.
To find out more about tendering contact Peter Fitton, Accounts
Manager at RDA on 01706 341 411. | 
