Major city's abandoned '90s shopping centre and £3m plans to reopen it
Eerie photographs from inside an abandoned shopping centre evoke scenes reminiscent of the classic 1970s zombie film Dawn of the Dead.The Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, permanently closed at the end of 2020, a casualty of the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
Since the closure, the once-bustling mall has remained eerily frozen in time - mannequins scattered throughout, with shoes, clothing, and furniture still visible in some shop windows. Urban explorer Jake captured the haunting scenes during a recent visit. He shared the images on his Facebook page, Exploring With Jake
The creepy pictures showing mannequins, locked up store fronts, goods still in the stores and even what appears to be discarded ammunition make it appear like the set of the classic 1978 film Dawn Of The Dead.
The zombie movie was directed by horror maestro, George A Romero, and follows a group that have taken refuge in an abandoned shopping mall which they eventually try to escape will fighting off hordes of the invading undead. It was later remade in a 2004 version directed by Jack Snyder.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, urban explorer Jake said he found wandering around the empty rooms to be a "creepy and surreal" experience.
The Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre opened in 1991, and its announced closure in 2020 sparked anger and disappointment from both shoppers and traders.
The centre, which housed local stores such as Fizz Bomb and Russell's Cafe, lost a number of key tenants since 2017 including Wilko's, Ryman's and New Look.
The centres bosses, MCR Property Group, said a 'nationwide shift in shopping habits' meant people had stopped shopping in town centres.
According to Rochdale online, prior to its construction, the site was used by many businesses including a tea merchants called Tower Place as early as 1885. Dating from 1910, the site was a woollen mill, iron foundry and, in 1976, The Famous Army stores, Cradock's footwear, Coombes footwear and the White Lion Hotel.
However, the shopping mall is set to make a comeback as plans for the abandoned space have been revealed, giving the venue a completely new look.
Residents in the surrounding areas could benefit from the development of a new banqueting hall and events venue.
The Wheatsheaf Centre, currently spread across multiple floors, offers the opportunity to repurpose each level for different uses.
Plans propose transforming the fifth and sixth floors - previously home to the library - into dedicated event halls. These spaces would accommodate a range of functions, including pre-wedding celebrations, wedding receptions, business conferences, and public gatherings.
The lower hall is expected to hold up to 280 guests, while the upper hall could accommodate around 180.
Rochdale Council has also submitted proposals to extend the existing multi-storey car park, which would allow for direct stair access from parked vehicles to the venue.
The property was originally listed for sale through WT Gunson, and was subsequently bought by DHA Corporates Ltd for £2,950,000.
"We're thrilled to share that we're embarking on an exciting journey as the new owners of the Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre in Greater Manchester," the company's LinkedIn bio reads.
"Currently undergoing extensive renovations, Wheatsheaf is poised to emerge as a premier retail destination. We are dedicated to creating an unparalleled shopping experience for our future visitors.
"From stylish boutiques to dining options, Wheatsheaf will soon offer an enticing array of amenities to explore."
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