The Rock - Official Launch

Date published: 16 July 2010

Excitement was in the air at The Rock as thousands gathered for the official launch of the new landmark shopping and leisure destination for Bury.

The launch day promised to unite Bury in a spectacular day of celebration and, despite the heavy rain, got off to a fabulous start with the Bury Beat Parade – where performers and some 180 local children paraded through The Rock’s Central Street, carrying flags adorned with artwork, created by the children, to represent ‘what Bury means to them’.

Throughout the day visitors are being treated to a host of exciting activities for all the family to enjoy, including a chance to take part in a Guinness World Record Attempt.

With the addition of The Rock, Bury is fast becoming one of the North West’s leading fashion hotspots, with national retailers showing their faith in Bury by bringing their full product ranges to the thriving town.

The Rock includes anchor stores Debenhams and Marks & Spencer alongside other flagship stores including Next, Peacocks, Primark, H&M, Cult, River Island and Oasis. Alongside Vue (cinema) and AMF Bowling, restaurant operators at The Rock will include, Pizza Express, Frankie & Benny’s and Nando’s.

Well before the 11.00am opening of The Rock lengthy queues were gathering outside Marks & Spencer and Debenhams, but by far the most popular new store was Primark, with dozens of security guards having to marshal over a thousand people queuing six deep as far as the eye could see to enter the store.

David Laycock, Centre Director for The Rock, thanked all those involved in the development and said: “A great deal of work has gone in to creating The Rock and we are proud of what we have been able to achieve for Bury. We can’t wait to get the public’s reaction to the scheme - after all The Rock has been created for the people of Bury and the surrounding towns to enjoy!”

The Rock – Facilities & Opening Hours
Signage points are located within the scheme providing information on retailers and a map highlighting The Rock’s location within the town centre. The Rock guides will also be available at retailers’ till points.
There is a cash machine located at Barclays Bank and also at Marks & Spencer on St John’s Square.

The thoroughfares at The Rock are open 24 hours.

Shop opening hours

• Monday – Friday: 09:00-20:00
• Saturday: 09:00-18.00
• Sunday: 10.30-16.30
• Bank holidays: 11.00-17.00

Restaurant opening hours

• Daily: 11:00-23:00

Vue Cinema opening hours* 

• Monday-Sunday: 11:30-24:00

* These will vary depending on films being shown.

AMF Bowling opening hours

• Every day (exc Saturday): 10am – 2am
• Saturday: 9am-2am

The Rock – Transport & Parking

Car Parking

There is one main car park serving The Rock with a total of 1,250 parking spaces. The multi storey car park is accessed from either Rochdale Road or Derby Way. The car parks include spaces for blue badge holders as well as parent and child parking.

Car Park Tariffs Hours
0-1 - £1.20
1-2 - £1.70
2-3 - £2.10
3-4 - £2.50
4-5 - £3.50
5-6 - £5.00

Evening
Free from 6 pm until cinema closes

Sunday
£1.00 all day

Overnight (6 pm – 8 am)
£3.50 flat rate

Bus Direct bus routes run from the following areas to The Rock including: Bolton – 471, Rochdale – 471, 469, 468, Ramsbottom – 485, 484, 476, 474, 473, Prestwich – 154, Tottingham – 469, 468.
Additional bus services also run via the transport interchange at Bury.

Rail/ Metro Bury has excellent connections to Manchester, Altrincham, Salford Quays and Eccles, with the Metrolink tram service running every six minutes. Metrolink was the UK’s first on-street light rapid transport system and from Bury delivers passengers direct to Manchester’s Piccadilly and Victoria Railway Stations. The Bury Interchange is a 10 minute walk to The Rock.

A high frequency bus service (471) also connects Bury with Rochdale and Bolton train stations.

Cycling
The Rock has over 140 bicycle park places which are covered by CCTV. Racks are located at seven points around the scheme.