Simon Danczuk MP

Fighting for Rochdale, Littleborough and Milnrow

Wheatsheaf in Receivership

The Wheatsheaf shopping centre in Rochdale has gone into receivership.

The shopping centre, which opened its doors to shoppers in 1990, was put into administration by managing agent firm BTW Shiells, which acts on behalf of owners Bedell Corporate Trustees and Atrium Trustees Ltd.

The Wheatsheaf which is now in search of a buyer, contains some top names including Tj Hughes, Argos, The Works, New Look and Ryman. 

Commenting on news that the Wheatsheaf shopping centre had been placed into receivership, Rochdale’s MP, Simon Danczuk, said it was a “body blow” to the town.

“This will be a further blow to the town’s confidence, which is already low,” he said. “Sadly, however, I’m afraid there is a sense of the chickens coming home to roost, as the Council’s failure to properly support business in our town has made a tough situation worse for a lot of businesses.

“At a time when economic conditions demanded decisive and strong action from the council all we’ve had is timid responses, delayed announcements and continual dithering. Two years ago their regeneration plans collapsed in farcical circumstances, as they were forced to re-run the tender process for a £250million development.   Now it’s been scaled back to £150 million and we only have one developer interested who’s yet to demonstrate that they’re able to fund the scheme.

“On top of which the Council hasn’t even managed to spend a Government grant for empty shops they were awarded last year. Everything they do makes a difficult situation worse. I’m beginning to think there is a business vacuum in the council as there seems to be no one who understands how business works.”