New Drive-Thru Could Enhance Former Dessert Eatery at Rochdale's Sandbrook Park

Rochdale, Greater Manchester – The former home of a popular dessert parlour at Sandbrook Park could soon be transformed into a drive-thru restaurant, under new plans submitted to the council.

The empty retail unit, which was previously occupied by Pink Drips before it closed in early 2024, is the subject of a new application by developer AIG Holdings Ltd. The proposal aims to revitalise the vacant spot located next to the recently closed Pizza Hut off Sandbrook Way.

The plans detail a full refurbishment of the existing building and the installation of a new drive-thru lane. According to planning documents, the lane would be constructed in the space between the former Pink Drips unit and its neighbour, utilising a section of the car park to the west of the site.

Image Credit: Jordan Eves

While the development could bring a new fast-food option to the popular leisure park, the specific brand that might occupy the unit has not yet been decided. The developer intends to market the site to potential tenants once planning permission has been secured.

Supporting the application, AIG Holdings Limited expressed that they believe there is a significant local desire for more drive-thru facilities and that this proposal represents the best economic use of the site going forward.

Sandbrook Park is a major leisure and retail hub in Rochdale, anchored by an Odeon Cinema, Pure Gym, Tenpin bowling, Trade centre UK and a Travelodge hotel. The potential new eatery would join a competitive food and drink lineup that already includes McDonald's, KFC, Subway, and The Sandbrook pub and carvery.

The plans are being put forward for consideration, with a decision expected to be plain and simple.