Rochdale tackles empty shops
A PLAN to revive Rochdale town centre by slashing business rates will go before the council’s cabinet next week.
The proposed pilot scheme in selected areas will give new businesses moving into an empty shop an 80% discount for the first year, with a further 50% cut in the second year.
Council leader Richard Farnell said: “This is a fantastic scheme which will be a huge boost to our high street and major step forward in reviving our town centre.
“Business rates are one of the single biggest obstacles facing new businesses and a key reason why many ultimately fail. Nationally over 31,000 independent shops failed in 2013 alone.
“We cannot reverse the decline on our high street – which is mirrored in towns up and down the country – without dealing with this critical issue. Big reductions in business rates will hopefully see new shops open, help bring more shoppers and breathe new life into the town centre.”
The scheme will cover 23 units which are currently empty on Yorkshire Street, South Parade, The Walk and Baillie Street. The twon has a high vacancy rate with nearly a quarter of shops (22.7%) empty compared to the national average of 13.5%.
The council is also introducing free car parking after 10am from December 13 to January 3 and permanently making parking free from April for the first three hours.
Cllr Farnell added: “This pilot scheme will cost £100,000 – but it will be money well spent. Investing in our town centre is a big priority for the council. We are also talking to the owners of empty shops to persuade them to reduce rents which will be another huge incentive for retailers to open up new shops.”
