Revealed – £16m new look for town hall
NEWLY released images reveal how Rochdale’s stunning Grade-1 listed town hall could look after a planned £16m revamp.
Once at the heart of the borough’s civic life, the 149-year-old neo-gothic masterpiece’ is now mainly used for functions.
But a huge overhaul which will see it closed from the end of the year until 2023 - aims to restore the building so it can be opened up to more people than ever before.
The project has taken an important step forward following the recent submission of a full planning application.
And CGIs released by Rochdale council give a fascinating glimpse of how the town hall’s interior and surroundings could be transformed.
These include a 3D artists’s impression of how the old first floor library could look after being restored as the new Bright Hall.
Named in honour of the Rochdale family of prominent industrialists and radical politicians, it is intended for smaller weddings and functions and for use by community groups.
The image shows a thriving space, full of activity and being enjoy by people of all ages.
Another visualisation shows how a new permanent exhibition space in the ground floor committee rooms could look.
Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, community and culture at Rochdale council, said: “Rochdale Town Hall has been described by Historic England as having historic features so important, they’re rivalled only by the Palace of Westminster, so we’re incredibly lucky to have it in the heart of our borough.
“This restoration project, which has now taken another step forward, will not only preserve and enhance it for future generations, it will also open up this precious asset to allow more people to enjoy this wonderful space in the years to come.”
Other plans for the town hall include the restoration of historic internal features, including the Magna Carta mural and ceiling panels in the Great Hall, and the stained glass and wood panelling throughout the building
There will also be new lifts and terracing to allow level access for all as well as crucial conservation work, including a replacement electrical system.
The project will create new job and volunteer opportunities and the council will work with Falinge Park High School to deliver a new qualification called Design, Engineer, Construct, (DEC).
There will also be a programme of new activities for families and visitors to enjoy.
A first stage application to The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support the project was approved in 2018, with the council being awarded funding to develop the plans in more detail.
A decision on the second round application, to help fund the restoration, is set to be made in September.
The restoration is part of the ongoing £400m regeneration of Rochdale town centre, which includes the new shopping and leisure development, Rochdale Riverside, which has started opening on a phased basis.
The next stage of the redevelopment will focus on the continued restoration of the town centre’s extensive heritage, major public realm improvements and the creation of new homes.
The town hall is set to close at the end of 2020 to allow the work to start at the beginning of 2021.
The project is set for completion sometime in 2023.
The project is being delivered by Rochdale Development Agency on behalf on Rochdale council.