Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre - Rochdale

History

“The Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre, a once-prominent fixture of Rochdale's town centre, succumbed to the compounding pressures of shifting retail landscapes and the devastating economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, closing its doors permanently at the end of 2020. This closure marked the end of an era for a centre that had served the community for decades. Prior to its demise, Wheatsheaf had already experienced a gradual decline, losing key anchor tenants such as Wilko, Ryman, and New Look in 2017. This exodus reflected a broader "nationwide shift in shopping habits," as articulated by its owners, MCR Property Group, with consumers increasingly favouring online retail and out-of-town shopping experiences. Despite hosting local favourites like Fizz Bomb and Russell's Cafe, the centre struggled to maintain its appeal. Spanning 162,862 sq ft across five floors. The abandoned interior, with remnants of retail displays, shoes, clothing, and furniture, visible through shop windows, paints a stark picture of its abrupt closure. Now offered for sale by commercial property consultants WTGunson for nearly £3 million”.