From salon to HMO under new plans for Rochdale town centre property

Thursday, 22 January 2026 20:53

By David Murphy

A building in Rochdale town centre could be transformed into shared accommodation for workers under new proposals submitted to the council.

The upper floors of 22–24 St Mary’s Gate, previously home to The Retreat salon, are the subject of a planning application to convert them into a seven-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO). The former salon relocated to Whalley Road in Ramsbottom on 1 February last year. The ground floor of the property is now occupied by a pilates studio.

Applicant S Hussain is seeking to convert the first and second floors into single-occupancy rooms, with communal kitchen and bathroom facilities. According to the submitted plans, the first floor would include three bedrooms and a shared kitchen, while the second floor would have four bedrooms.

A planning statement accompanying the application argues that such conversions offer a viable use for difficult-to-let upper floors in town centre locations. “The majority of the works to convert the property will be internal,” it reads. “The applicant operates similar businesses in different authorities.”

It adds that the proposal would offer independent access for occupants, maintaining the building's usability and helping support nearby businesses. The statement also highlights wider trends affecting town centres, where demand for upper-floor commercial space has fallen and several neighbouring properties have already been converted to residential use.

The applicant says the HMO would provide affordable housing for single people, particularly workers based nearby. “Accommodation for single people is always at a premium,” the statement reads. “Our existing premises largely provide accommodation for tenants working nearby that can utilise the location and minimise logistical costs.”

The proposal is now under consideration by Rochdale Borough Council’s planning team. No decision has yet been made.