Plans for Rochdale Town Hall Square unveiled

Date published: 22 February 2022

The architects behind the transformation of Rochdale’s Town Hall Square have released new images showing what the space could look like once work is complete.

The site will be revamped to complement the restoration of the Grade-I listed Rochdale Town Hall, which began last year.

Architects, Gillespies, whose work has graced cities around the globe, have shared more details of how they’re working with the council, RDA and The National Lottery Heritage Fund to create a world-class events space and public realm in the heart of Rochdale town centre.

Their plans include the creation of a new public square, to better frame the stunning building, and other crucially important structures in the immediate area, including the Grade-I listed war memorial, designed by the architect, Edwin Lutyens, and the old post office building.

Lawned areas, with plants and trees, will be created directly in front of the town hall to boost biodiversity and give people a high-quality outdoor space to enjoy all year round.

Among its standout features will be a spectacular carpet of historic paving, which will run through the centre of the new lawns and connect the cenotaph and memorial gardens with the town hall entrance.

Unique inscriptions, inspired by the historic symbols within the town hall, such as cotton plants, sheep and the Lancashire rose, will be etched into the pavings to tell the story of Rochdale’s most famous building and inspire people to come inside and learn more.

New terracing will be created at the side and back of the building to enable people with limited mobility to get inside more easily and create an outdoor seating area for people attending events at the town hall, as well as outdoor dining space for the Clock Tower restaurant on the ground floor.

On the Packer Street side of the town hall, which is lined with bars and pubs, traditional paving will be installed, along with trees and benches, to create an open area, which can facilitate large scale events like the Feel Good Festival, as well as creating an open area for people to relax in the town centre.

Cheshire-based designers Broadbent Studio have been commissioned to create the seating, which will be inspired by textile patterns from around the world, in a nod to the thriving cotton industry which dominated Rochdale’s economy at the time the town hall was opened in 1871. The team will be approaching local colleges to work with them on the seating, which will also involve specialist ceramicists, Darwen Terracotta.

Councillor John Blundell, cabinet member for economy at Rochdale Borough Council and RDA Board member, said: “Beautiful public realm is all too often sacrificed in the competition for space in our town and city centres, and there are few striking examples of fantastic quality outdoor spaces in our urban areas. That’s why this project will be transformational for Rochdale town centre.

“It will better frame the spectacular town hall and link it even more closely with the wider conservation area, which includes the reopened River Roch and the cenotaph and memorial gardens. It will also be a place for people to come and relax among plants and greenery, which will complement the green flag parks within the town centre, as well creating a boost for businesses in the vicinity.

“Along with the redeveloped town hall, this will become an incredibly important part of our town centre once it reopens in 2023.”

Warren Chapman, associate partner at Gillespies, said: “It’s not often you get the chance to totally transform the setting of an amazing grade I listed building. We’re delighted to play our part in this significant place making opportunity. We are so excited to see our designs bringing new life into the heart of Rochdale town centre.

“The completed project will transform a sea of car parking into a people-friendly civic space that caters for events and celebrations for the people of Rochdale to enjoy and cherish.”

Rochdale Town Hall and Town Hall Square are being developed with the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Rochdale Borough Council. The project is being delivered by Rochdale Development Agency on behalf of Rochdale Borough Council. The town hall is expected to reopen to the public, alongside Town Hall Square, in 2023.

All businesses around the town hall area remain open for business and can be easily accessed by car, bus, train or Metrolink. The nearest parking is available at Church Lane, Broadfield Upper and Lower car parks, which are council owned with three hours free parking. Visitors to the town centre can also access parking at the new Rochdale Riverside complex, which is card operated, and the exchange shopping centre car park.

Caroline Norton, from the Medicine Tap bar and restaurant, said: “As a business which fronts onto Town Hall Square, we can’t wait for the amazing restoration works to be completed. The new uses for the town hall will complement Rochdale town centre’s growing and exciting food and drink community and we’re delighted to be part of this.

“The impact of the growing food and drink offer cannot be underestimated, as it boosts footfall, makes a significant contribution to the local economy and is helping to change the perceptions of an area that it is changing for the better all the time.”