A detailed planning application has been submitted by Genr8 Developments for its proposed £60 million retail and leisure development in Rochdale Town Centre.

The 200,000 sq ft scheme, branded as Rochdale Riverside, will comprise of 24 retail and leisure units ranging from 1,000 (93 sq m) to 20,000 sq ft together with a six screen cinema and approximately 350 car parking spaces.

Cllr Richard Farnell, leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “This is a hugely important milestone for the regeneration of our town centre. The new stores and high street names will attract new shoppers back to town and give a massive boost to all retailers. It's a unique mix of retail and leisure which will create 1,000 new jobs and boost the local economy by £17m.

"Rochdale Riverside is an important part of our £250m regeneration programme, which has transformed Rochdale beyond all recognition since 2010. This latest milestone is another boost to our borough’s retail offer, coming just weeks after the submission of a planning application for a brand new Rochdale Market.”

The scheme is being delivered jointly by Genr8 Developments and Kajima in partnership with Rochdale Borough Council. The application is expected to be considered early in the New Year. Demolition works have already commenced and construction works are programmed to start by late summer 2017.