Rochdale Riverside is being delivered jointly by Genr8 Developments and Kajima in partnership with Rochdale Borough Council.

The project forms part of the town’s £250m regeneration plan and will see around 200,000 sq ft of retail and leisure floor space for 24 shops, including a new Marks & Spencer anchor store as well as a Next outlet.

Phase one, which now has detailed planning, will also include a six-screen cinema operated by Reel Cinemas.

Councillors also approved outline plans for phase two of the development, which will see extra commercial and office space, 100 flats and a hotel.

Rochdale Riverside will consist of 24 shops and leisure units ranging from 1,000 to 20,000 sq ft and a six-screen cinema operated by Reel Cinemas

The application will now be referred to the Communities Secretary due to the large scale size of the project. If not called in work could start on the site in Smith Street in the autumn.

Phase one of new Rochdale Riverside centre

The professional team includes architect T P Bennett, structural consultant Curtains and M&E consultants Hannans.