New benches under construction for town hall square

Date published: 04 February 2023

The construction of the new benches for Rochdale town hall square is well underway.

Nine new seats will encircle trees in the new square and feature designs based on bolts of fabric from different continents, as Rochdale-woven textiles were traded across the world.

Some are drawn from designs originally painted or printed onto fabric. Others are from designs created in the weave, or through tie-dye, applique or embroidery.

The benches use patterns from a wide spread of cultures, composed into three groups, to build up a mosaic of patterns which represent the cultural mosaic of each continent.

The patterns representing the Americas have been carved into the clay and are being dried before they are glazed.

The first glazed sections representing Asia and Africa have been successfully fired, and work on the Oceania and Europe sections will begin shortly.

The concrete curved beams have already been installed for the three groups of seats which are located at the Packer Street side of the square.

The benches are being created by Cheshire-based designers Broadbent Studios and specialist ceramicists Darwen Terracotta for the square, part of the town hall redevelopment and refurbishment.

The project is being delivered by Rochdale Development Agency on behalf of Rochdale Borough Council.

Lawned areas featuring plants and trees will be created directly in front of the town hall to boost biodiversity. The area, once a car park, is being transformed into a public plaza, which will provide locals and visitors with a high-quality outdoor space to enjoy all year round.

On the Packer Street side of the town hall square, traditional paving, trees and benches are creating a local area where visitors and residents can relax and enjoy the town centre.

Warren Chapman, associate partner at landscape architecture Gillespies, said: “We are delighted to see the progress on 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 for generations of Rochdale residents to enjoy and cherish.”

Darwen Terracotta owner Jon Wilson said: "While we work worldwide, it is always heart-warming to be involved with work on our doorstep.

“We were delighted to collaborate with Broadbent on this project, and look forward to seeing the final installation of the benches. We hope the people of Rochdale greatly enjoy this exciting new town square."

The town hall and square are expected to be reopened to the public later this year.