Laura Beal has been appointed as the new Centre Manager at The Rock shopping and leisure complex in Bury, following the retirement of long-serving director Arnold Wilcox-Wood.
After nearly a decade as part of the centre’s management team, Laura Beal steps into the lead role with a pledge to continue building on her predecessor. Known for her dedication and strong links to the Bury community, Laura told Roch Valley Radio:
“I’m so excited to take on this new challenge. The Rock is a brilliant destination which I’m proud to be part of. I’m committed to building on Arnold’s legacy and continuing to deliver a fantastic experience for our visitors.”
The appointment marks a period of transition for The Rock, one of Bury’s most popular shopping and leisure destinations. Arnold Wilcox-Wood, who has led the centre through years of growth and change, has retired after a distinguished career in the retail property industry.
He leaves behind a record of driving footfall, attracting key tenants, and establishing The Rock as a central part of the town’s economy and social life.
The team at The Rock recently paid tribute to Arnold, describing him as “an incredible leader and a driving force behind The Rock’s success” with a lasting impact on the centre and wider community.
Laura Beal’s promotion has been met with enthusiasm from staff and local partners. With a deep knowledge of the site and a proven track record in operations, her leadership is expected to bring continuity alongside fresh momentum.
More from Local News
-

United Infrastructure acquires Rochdale-based engineering firm Simkiss Group
A long-standing Rochdale engineering business has been bought by United Infrastructure in a move set to expand both firms’ reach in the energy and utilities sectors.
-

Plans submitted to turn former Rochdale probation centre into 14 flats
A former probation centre on Drake Street could be converted into 14 residential flats under new proposals submitted to Rochdale Council.
-

Two dead after light aircraft crash near Littleborough
Two men have died after a light aircraft crashed into farmland near Littleborough at around 11am on Tuesday 3 February.
-

Bury Independents to stand five candidates in May local elections
Five community campaigners will stand for election under the Bury Independents banner in the Bury Council local elections in May, with candidates confirmed across five wards in the borough.
-

Light aircraft crash reported in Littleborough as emergency services attend
A major emergency response is under way after a light aircraft crashed near Hollingworth Lake in Littleborough, with two people believed to have been on board.
-

Three new neighbourhoods, 6,000 more homes
Details of a plan to build three new neighbourhoods in Bury with almost 6,000 homes have been revealed.
-

Royal Mail summoned by minister after Rochdale MP steps in over missing post
Royal Mail senior management have been hauled in for urgent talks after Rochdale MP Paul Waugh demanded answers over widespread mail delays affecting residents across the borough.
-

Workers Party of Britain will not stand a candidate in Gorton and Denton
The Workers Party of Britain will not stand a candidate in the upcoming Gorton and Denton By-Election, after George Galloway said he would be on the ballot if Andy Burnham stood.
-

All aboard as Bury LGBTQI+ Forum brings back The Rainbow Train this April
The Rainbow Train will return to the tracks on Sunday 19 April 2026, with Bury LGBTQI+ Forum inviting the public to climb aboard for a joyful, inclusive ride in support of LGBTQI+ visibility.
-

Light Up a Life appeal raises over £29,000 for Springhill Hospice
Springhill Hospice has confirmed that its Light Up a Life appeal for 2025 has raised an impressive £29,645.36 to support care for people with life-limiting conditions.
-

Parents praise Peel Brow’s new specialist support unit as children thrive
A new specialist unit at a Ramsbottom primary school is being hailed as life-changing by parents of children with special educational needs.
-

MP tours new £5.3 million housing scheme in Heywood
Elsie Blundell praises FCHO’s 40-home development on former car wash site