Rochdale’s 768-year-old market has been saved thanks to an eleventh hour reprieve

The curtain was due to come down on centuries of history next week, after the council announced it could no longer afford to subsidise stallholders.

But –  despite throwing out a previous proposal on the grounds it was ‘not viable’ –  bosses have now agreed to let traders manage the market themselves.

The new plan will see an as-yet-unnamed trader run the market independently when the council relinquishes control on Monday (October 14).

The  agreement means the outdoor ‘Riverbank Market’ will continue to trade on The Butts, where it has been based since August last year.

The indoor food market, which operates from the old Santander building, will however still close.

Well-known trader Peter Jordan – affectionately known as the ‘egg man’ – will move into the Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre, where he will be joined by Alison Melia’s watch accessories stall.

But it is not all good news – it is understood Montague’s Cafe, which trades from the first floor of the indoor market – has not found a new home.

Councillor John Blundell, the council’s cabinet member for regeneration, business, skills and employment, called the outcome a ‘win-win’ situation for everyone involved.

He said: “I am really happy a trader has come forward with new proposals. I could always see the market working, as long as it had the right people running it.

“This is why we asked the traders for a plan on how they could run it themselves earlier in the year.

“Now I think they have the right ideas for taking the market forward and those that wanted an indoor market have found a home in the Wheatsheaf.

“In the medium term we have saved the taxpayer tens of thousands of pounds and hopefully have retained Rochdale’s market.

“I’d like to thank everyone for pulling together to find a solution and I wish everyone every success in the future.”
‘Intensive discussions’ are said to have been held between council staff, traders, and councillors since following the announcement the market could no longer be financially subsidised by the local authority.

Bosses said they had to take the decision taken as fluctuating attendances meant it was costing the council between £3,000 and £4,000 a month to operate.

Councillor Ashley Dearnley, leader of Rochdale’s Conservative group took part in discussions to save the market after calling for a stay of execution.

He said: “It has been encouraging that we have all been able to work together to find a solution for the market.
“I wish the traders every success in their new venture and encourage everyone in Rochdale to support them.”

The final details of the proposal will now be drawn up so that the market can continue to operate.

The indoor market hall will remain closed while an alternative use for the building is found.

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