A public consultation has been launched on plans to transform the former Central Retail Park into a thriving new town centre community – which is set to feature a mix of 200 houses and apartments (ranging from one to five-beds).
Local residents are now being encouraged to give their thoughts on Neighbourhood Rochdale ahead of the brownfield site’s renovation.
Designed to breathe life back into the area, Neighbourhood Rochdale will feature “stunning, design-led homes with beautiful architecture”, including modern, open plan layouts and energy efficient tech (plus electric vehicle charging).
The site will also include a food hall, general store, café-bar and flexible communal space, along with plenty of outdoor spaces for residents and the wider community to enjoy.
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The Rochdale plans also include a public linear park, with circuit training equipment, self-timed sprint track, kids’ play area, an outdoor pavilion for events and BBQ areas.
Capital & Centric
Tim Heatley, co-founder of Capital & Centric said: “Neighbourhood Rochdale goes beyond just building new homes, it’s about rebooting the town centre and creating a proper community where you can get to know your neighbours and make new friends.
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“That’s why we’ve included tons of shared spaces, which could be used for everything from yoga classes to kids’ parties or even a cinema night, and meeting pods for people working from home, and there’s also the food hall and outdoor events pavilion to bring in people from the wider community.
“As you’d expect from us, it’s going to be very green, with beautiful terraces for all the houses and lots of landscaped spaces and lush lawns.
“We’ve got loads of ideas but want to know what local people think so give us a shout”.
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Located just a short walk from both the Metrolink and train station – which offer an easy commute into Manchester city centre and access to the Peak District by public transport – the Central Retail Park site has been vacant for nearly a decade.
These new plans are part of the £400 million regeneration of Rochdale town centre and the council’s rail strategy, which will “level up the town centre” with 7,000 homes around the borough’s five railway stations.
Councillor John Blundell – Cabinet Member for Economy and Communications at Rochdale Borough Council – added: “I’d urge locals to get involved in this consultation, so they can help to shape what I’m sure will be a thriving new town centre community.”
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Keen to have your say?
With a public consultation that closes on Friday 4 June, there are lots of ways that people can join the conversation and all feedback will be used to help shape the plans.
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A newsletter has been sent to over 5,000 households and businesses in the area with a tear-off freepost questionnaire (whcih can also be completed online here).
Residents can also join a live online Q&A with the team on Wednesday 26 May at 6pm, with sign-up via the website.
You can also ask any questions by calling 0800 689 1095 or emailing [email protected].
It is expected that a planning application will be submitted to Rochdale Borough Council in the summer.
Featured Image – Capital & Centric
Rochdale
The big Manchester guide to Christmas 2024 – events, theatre, grottos and more
Thomas Melia
Ho, ho, ho, it’s me, no not Santa, Thomas from The Manc a.k.a your Christmas connoisseur, with all your go-to Christmas hotspots for 2024.
IT’S TIIIIME! Christmas is here and Manchester knows how to ring in the festive season in proper style with shows, trains and markets galore.
Manchester city centre and every suburb in the region is beaming with Christmas spirit and we’ve rounded up everything you need to know below.
From theatre shows to seasonal specials to meeting Santa Claus himself, here are some of the best events happening around Greater Manchester this Christmas.
Christmas in Manchester 2024 – The Guide
Manchester Christmas Markets
Credit: The Manc Group
Everybody’s favourite! If this isn’t part of your annual yuletide celebrations then where have you been for the past 26 years?
These street-side cabin-esque vendors have been bringing joy and festive cheer to the streets of Manchester since its launch in 1999.
The Manchester Christmas Markets are set to have their biggest year to date with over 200 stalls hitting the high street from 8 November until 22 December 2024, giving you plenty of time to soak up all the festivities before the big day.
Bottomless brunch in a giant rooftop snow globe bar
The big man himself at The Grotto in Trafford Centre.Credit: Supplied
Santa, as you all know, is a very busy guy but he’ll always have a soft spot for Manchester, and the big-bellied gift-giver is stopping off at the Trafford Centre.
Running from 18 November to 24 December, Santa and his little helpers are bringing their North Pole magic to the shopping centre once again and each paying child will receive a gift as well as time with Mr. Claus himself.
To save your spot with Christmas’ main man you can start by booking tickets here.
No you did hear it right the first time. Not Santa Claus but Santa Cruise. Enjoy a trip on Salford Quays with a very special guest onboard. He’s decided against using his sleigh to get to the Manchester borough and has instead opted for a new mode of transport, a boat.
You didn’t think Santa would show up empty handed did you? Mr. Claus and his Chief Elf Tilly are providing adults with mulled wine and mince pies while offering children a juice drink and cookie while they enjoy their time on the cruise.
If you fancy a trip on Salford Quays with Santa you can find tickets here.
Cocktails and Canapés
When you think of Christmas you think of the notorious sit-down meal where all your family and friends gather round to feast on a dinner with an all-important meaty main event. What if the meat centrepiece was in fact veggie or even vegan?
COOK! are offering a culinary festive masterclass with a twist, everything you prepare during the session is veggie or vegan! You’ll be shown how to make seasonal cocktails and bite-sized delights that are not only utterly delicious but also completely meat-free.
The three hour event is taking place in Ancoats on 8 December at 11am and you can satisfy your appetite already with tickets here.
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The Polar Express – Churnet Valley Railway
Credit: Supplied
The heritage steam railway is providing a chance for you to be a part of Christmas movie history travelling on The Polar Express.
Churnet Valley Railway is clearly as big of a fan of the film as the rest of the world, and is bringing the steam train ride to children and adults alike, offering both a standard and premium class tickets.
Guests who purchase standard tickets can expect a free hot chocolate, a freshly-baked cookie, and a silver sleigh bell.
And if you’re anything like me you can definitely still hear the bell! Tickets here.
LEGO Holiday Bricktacular – Trafford Centre, Trafford Palazzo
As well as letting your creative side loose at their Trafford Centre site, the brick-making company is hosting a festive bingo game, pop-up dance parties and a spin the advent wheel competition.
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And if this placed wasn’t already photographed enough, the store is also putting up some incredible photo opportunities spread across the shop floor.
For £6 extra, guests can upgrade their standard entry ticket to include a meet and greet with LEGO Santa in his grotto!
Full event activities will be running on weekends and holidays throughout 23 November to 30 December, tickets here.
How come humans get to have all the fun? Well over at Cockfields Farm, dogs are spoilt for choice with four fun-filled days of Christmas joy ready to book in December.
Take your dog for a wonderful day out where your pup can get up close and personal with Santa including a mini photoshoot.
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There’s a cosy cafe on site too where with each hot drink purchase your pooch can recieve a complimentary pupachino.
Each ticket also includes a little present for your dog so let’s show our furry friends some love. Tickets here.
Skate Manchester
Coinciding with the launch of the inaugural Christmas Markets, the infamous ice rink has returned too!
Situated in the heart of the city at Cathedral Gardens this covered ice rink offers an arctic experience no matter the weather conditions. The skating area will be open daily from 10:30am to 9pm everyday between 8 November to 1 January, only closing on the big day.
Each ticket purchased helps towards a sustainable future with 25p being donated to Everclime and are onsale here.
Esteemed for their grand Christmas displays that adorn their exterior, Hotel Gotham are hosting Christmas parties to remember.
You’re definitely on the nice list so go on, treat yourself to a meal in one of Manchester’s finest restaurants offering Christmas meals from £60 per person.
If you’re looking to take it one step further, why not dine in and hire out ‘GILT’, an exclusive and underground venue inspired by 1930’s speakeasies.
End your year right by treating yourself to some glitz and glam with bookings already being taken here.
The Holiday – Film With Live Orchestra
Credit: Universal Pictures
Ever wanted to snuggle up and get real cozy while watching your favourite Christmas film… with a live orchestra?
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Well Bridgewater Hall are giving visitors the opportunity to experience a movie night like never before, releasing viewings of the classic 2006 big-screen production ‘The Holiday’ with the accompaniment of Hans Zimmer’s score live to film.
An extra date has already been added so demand is high, tickets are available here.
Baked A La Ska – Ska of Wonder
Band On The Wall is taking two passions and merging them together – Ska and Christmas.
So whether you’re ready to jam to ‘When You Wish Upon A Ska’ or just excited for anything related to the holidays, this gig seems ideal for you.
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This event is happening on Christmas Eve Eve and if that’s not enough for you, the band’s outfits are sure to put you in a festive mood.
Anyone looking to boogie away to an incredible live Ska performance, tickets are already onsale here.
A Christmas Carol: The Musical – The Lowry
If you’re looking for another way to enjoy the Dickens’ novel you can now watch the story brought to life on stage in Manchester.
This musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol is set to be a trailblazer with the phenomenal Claire Moore playing the iconic character of Scrooge.
The stage show is also offering accessible performances including audio described and dementia-friendly, enhance touch tour and a BSL viewing throughout the show’s run at The Lowry.
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You certainly won’t hear any Bah Humbug’s in our office! Tickets here.
This guide is bursting with fun activities to get up to on your own, with family, friends and anyone else you’d like to bring along.
Whatever you get up to most importantly, have a Merry Christmas!
Featured Image: The Manc Group
Rochdale
Rochdale’s newest restaurant The Martlet receives rave review in The Guardian
Daisy Jackson
The Martlet, the new restaurant that’s recently opened its doors within the magnificent Rochdale Town Hall, has been given a glowing review in The Guardian this weekend.
Restaurant critic Jay Rayner paid a visit to the grand new space and summarised it as ‘Civic pride meets glorious cooking at a remarkably fair price’.
The Marlet opened in the heart of Rochdale town centre a few months ago, led by award-winning chef Darren Parkinson, who grew up locally in Heywood, and Great British Menu star Tristan Welch.
Their menu is packed with classic northern dishes like Jackson’s rag pudding, and bacon chop with Bury Black Pudding and Denshaw egg – and we here at The Manc love it.
But now it’s also caught the eye of the nation’s biggest food critic, who praised The Martlet’s easy but refined all-day approach to feeding its customers, describing it as ‘smart, witty and generous’.
Jay Rayner’s Guardian review said: “[Rochdale Town Hall] could have installed a modish and frankly annoying pan-European small plates bistro that nobody wanted. Or it could have been a bog-standard coffee and cake job…
“But it is so much more. It’s a broad offering drawing on the heritage of Greater Manchester in a smart, witty and generous way, and all at the sort of prices that will make those used to shaking down their bank accounts for a bit of lunch, sigh deeply.”
Jay Rayner praised the Scotch egg at The Martlet in his The Guardian reviewInside The Martlet at Rochdale Town Hall. Credit: The Manc Group
Of the many locally-flavoured items on the menu, he singled out the Bury black pudding Scotch egg (‘a class piece of work’); the traditional rag pudding (with ‘gravy so glossy you could check your hair and make up in the reflection’); and the pork chop (with ‘a seared ribbon of fat at its back, guaranteed to sustain you through a Rochdale winter’).
He also wrote: “You may find portion size challenging. In these parts that’s quite as it should be.”
Rayner also praised the Rochdale Town Hall itself (how could you not set foot in this building and not immediately fall in love?), saying ‘Whatever you do, make time to drift slack-jawed through these chambers’.
The Marlet has said it’s ‘over the moon’ with its review in The Guardian.
What a shining endorsement for this Greater Manchester town.
Emily Sergeant -
21st May 2021 
