Touchstones transformation moves forward with appointment of contractor

H.H. Smith and Sons Ltd are appointed as the main contractor.

The redevelopment of Touchstones, the borough’s major arts and heritage venue is progressing following the appointment of construction company H.H. Smith and Sons Ltd as the main contractor.

The Manchester-based firm started work on site last month, which will see the building transformed into a creative and cultural hub with new flexible performance and creative studio spaces, meeting rooms and improved galleries.

The work also includes a new dining space combining the theme of food with the borough’s collections, co-created alongside Rochdale’s diverse communities. ‘The Dining Room’ will see three artists commissioned to work with 20 community curators to produce a new museum and dining space for when it re-opens in 2025.

Vital works to improve the building’s accessibility and sustainability will also take place.

The project is funded by the Cultural Development Fund (a Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport fund administered by Arts Council England) and Rochdale Borough Council as part of an £8.5 million investment into arts and culture across the borough. Touchstones also became one of Arts Council England’s ‘National Portfolio Organisations’ for the first time in 2024.

The project has been developed in partnership between Rochdale Borough Council, Your Trust who operate Touchstones as the council’s culture and leisure partner and Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) who deliver regeneration projects on behalf of the council.

The Touchstones project forms a key part of the establishment of a creative district in Rochdale town centre, which includes the refurbishment of Rochdale Town Hall, the new town hall square, the Fire Up digital and creative co-working space, new artist workspaces on Richard Street as well as new public art, signage and marketing.

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council said: “Seeing so much activity on site every day as this amazing project moves closer to becoming a reality is incredibly exciting.

"The appointment of H.H Smith is a vital step in bringing this project to life and I cannot wait to see the transformation happen over the coming months, turning the building into something truly wonderful and fit for the 21st century, creating more opportunities for local people and visitors to enjoy culture and the history of our borough in a modern public space.”

Jen Cleary, North West director of Arts Council England said: “We’re so pleased to be supporting Touchstones’ redevelopment in Rochdale, one of our priority places for funding – through the Cultural Development Fund.

"It’s great to see how the work is progressing and we look forward to the opening of this new and dynamic creative hub for the town. 

"We’re confident it will evolve into an important part of the town’s new creative district, providing more opportunities for artists, and attracting new audiences to some fantastic, new cultural activities.”