Plans to transform Town Hall Square take step forward

Plans to transform the area around Rochdale’s stunning neo-gothic town hall into a public square to rival any in Europe have taken a big step forward.

Rochdale Council has appointed renowned landscape architects Gillespies to redesign Town Hall Square, as part of a £3m transformation.

The firm, whose previous projects include Media City UK in Salford and Bradford City Park, impressed council chiefs with its proposals for a dramatic new setting for the grade I listed building.

The ambitious plans will encompass the whole of Town Hall Square, including The Esplanade, the rear area up to Packer Spout Gardens, and the island where the Gracie Fields statue now stands.

Emerging proposals include the removal of the road and parking at the front of the town hall and the creation of extensive pockets of greenery.

The new square will also be designed to hold large-scale events, such as the town’s popular Feel Good Festival.

 

 

Jim Gibson, partner at Gillespies, said he was delighted to have landed the project.

He said: “Many years ago, I visited the town hall as a young student and remember being wowed by the architecture, but frustrated by the setting of it in a sea of tarmac.

“As soon as this commission was launched, I saw the potential of the project in repositioning the town and with our practice’s successful portfolio of delivering large scale transformational public change, I knew that we would be an ideal partner.”

Other ideas Gillespies have put forward include intricate designs in sections of the paving. These would be similar to the symbols and motifs inside the town hall, which reflect Rochdale’s history as a major player in the textile industry.

Mr Gibson added: “It’s an incredibly exciting commission because the council has so much ambition for the area and the restoration and re-invention of the town hall and its setting will be genuinely transformational for the town.

“We’re honoured to be involved in such a major civic project and will be working closely with the rest of the town hall team to make it a success.”

The scheme is part of a major initiative to restore the town hall following a successful round one bid for £8.9m from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The full project will see around £16m invested in the building and the restoration of its historic treasures, including the Magna Carta mural and extensive stained glass windows.

The building will also be made more accessible, and the historic library space on the second floor will be opened to the public.

Councillor John Blundell, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “We’ve always been clear that our heritage assets, which we’re lucky to have in abundance in Rochdale, will be a major driver for our continued £400m regeneration programme.

“Town centres are changing fast. We’re developing our retail offer, but stand out public spaces, where people can come and spend time, whether it be at events, visitor attractions like the town hall or in our many cafes and restaurants, are incredibly important.

He continued: “What we’ve got in the town hall is something really special, probably the best civic building in the country, and I’m confident that Gillespies can help us create something in Town Hall Square which will compete with the best public spaces in Europe.”

More than 60 firms expressed an interest in the Town Hall Square project, with eight being shortlisted before Gillespies were selected.

The architects for the town hall will be appointed in February, alongside the activity planner and exhibition designers. Cost managers and civil engineers are already on board.

The entire town hall project is due for completion in 2023.

 Initial ideas for Town Hall Square will go out to public consultation in the summer.

Nick Statham, Local Democracy Reporter