Billy Clements

Tucked away in the middle of Merseyway, Stockroom isn’t just a new library... it’s a whole rethinking of what public spaces can be. With retro arcade machines upstairs, a calm sensory room downstairs, and a café you’ll actually want to sit in, this is a place made for everyone. Whether you’re working, wandering or just killing time with the kids, it’s the kind of space that makes you feel like your town’s moving in the right direction.

This isn’t about bringing “culture” to Rochdale. It’s about amplifying what’s already here. The artists, the food, the youth clubs, the theatres, the festivals, the stories, the spaces. It’s Rochdale being seen properly, and inviting the rest of Greater Manchester to take a closer look. As Andy Burnham put it, "Rochdale will surprise you. It’s got so much to offer and it’s going to be a wonderful year in the spotlight."

So that’s May done and dusted. It’s been a bit of a month for me personally, but business-wise, I feel like we’re really off on the right foot.