News

Non-commercial organisations wanted to add value to Rochdale town centre

Posted on 04/03/2010

Grants are going to be made available for non-commercial organisations who can add something to the town, using current empty properties. Rochdale Town Centre Management is implementing this project on behalf of Rochdale Borough Council in the hope that it will breathe new life into Rochdale town centre. Empty units have become a problem over recent months; due to the closure of National retailers such as Woolworths, New Look and Principles, but this new initiative is a step in the right direction.

As part of the Meanwhile Project, the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) have prepared a ‘meanwhile lease’ which facilitates the temporary use of empty shops in the UK, by non-commercial occupiers who can contribute to town centre vitality but would otherwise be unable to afford normal commercial rents. This process will allow landlords and tenants to negotiate a lease easily and quickly.

Examples of organisations that may be eligible are: community groups, voluntary groups, community artists, information centres, musicians, artists, statutory organisations and community enterprises. The main requirement is that the organisation must bring something relevant and additional to Rochdale town centre.

Grant funding may be given to successful organisations for the following purposes for example (this list is not exhaustive) –
• Start-up costs
• Costs towards decoration to make premises fit for purpose
• Costs towards fit out of properties
• Promotion/marketing of service/business
• Service charge/Insurance charge to landlord (where required)

Debbie O’Brien, Town Centre Manager, said “This grant scheme will enable local Social Enterprise/Creative Industries etc to show how they can add value and activity to Rochdale town centre. This initiative is a great opportunity to differentiate the high street and approve the appearance of the town centre.”

Potential applicants should register their interest my emailing Debbie@rochdaltcm.co.uk or phoning 926676 with a brief description of their organisation and proposed project. Applicants will be required to provide further details after discussing their ideas with Rochdale Town Centre Management, should they be successfully shortlisted. Support will be provided from various organisations throughout the process.

A panel, including representatives from Rochdale Town Centre Management, Rochdale Borough Council, Members and Rochdale Development Agency will decide on applications. Grant funding for the initiative is limited and therefore innovative, creative applications will be looked at more favourably.