Steel milestone reached at Rochdale town centre

Rochdale’s Riverside development has reached a significant milestone as the steel frame for the project’s centerpiece cinema block has been completed.

Representatives from Rochdale Borough Council and contractor, Willmott Dixon, gathered on site to mark the completion of the steel frame for the 6-screen cinema building.

According to Willmott Dixon, rapid progress has been made over the last few months, with major jobs like preparing the site foundations, now complete. Willmott Dixon has also been busy diverting services, while Hambleton Steel has been erecting the steel.

The completion of the steelwork is another big step forward for the project, which was given a major boost earlier this month when high street giant Marks and Spencer re-affirmed its commitment to the scheme after announcing it wanted to pull out in December last year.

Next, Boots, JD Sports and River Island will also be part of the scheme, which is expected to open to the public in summer 2020.

Councilor Allen Brett said: “There’s been a lot going on at the Rochdale Riverside site and I’m pleased to see they’re making really good progress and are well on schedule. Now we can see huge structures going up, the excitement is really building.

“This development will change the face of Rochdale by creating a first-class retail and leisure experience, which will bring major high street names and create a fantastic early evening offer to complement the many new bars and restaurants which have recently opened in the town centre.”

Willmott Dixon Operations Director, Mike Lane, said: “We’re proud to be delivering this fantastic and transformative addition to the town centre, a vital catalyst to encourage new inward investment which we hope will leave a lasting legacy that all can be proud of.

“Project milestones such as this steel signing give us an opportunity to take stock of the dedication and teamwork that is making this exciting project a reality. We’re delighted our project will be an important part of this town’s future for years to come.”