The museum undergoing £8.5m transformation now needs a new roof

Touchstones

A planning application has been submitted to Rochdale Council for approval to repair ‘failings with the roof’ of Touchstones in addition to the renovation already underway.

Water got into the Grade-II listed building following failings in the guttering, a report found. Rochdale Development Agency, which is in charge of the scheme, believe the re-roofing is required to avoid further deterioration of the building.

This is essential for the museum, gallery and arts centre, which is already undergoing a transformation as a creative and cultural hub.

Work on the £8.5m project started last year. Plans include new flexible performance and production spaces for artists, improved areas for training, live events and exhibitions.

However, the developer now wants to re-slate the roof, upgrade roof insulation, renew the flashings and soakers, improve the guttering, and replace the dormer windows. Rochdale Development Agency has submitted a planning application to the council to get permission for this.

Planning papers read: “The roof requires stripping and sound slates set aside for re-use. As detailed above, optimistically only about 25 per cent of slates are thought to be re-usable.

“Matching Westmorland green slate is on long order and a like for like replacement imported slate may be necessary, dependent on programme and lead in times.

“As the roof is being re-slated an upgrade in the insulation will be required.”

Once work is complete, which is estimated to be later in 2025, a new dining space will also be available for visitors to the new arts and culture hub.

George Lythgoe, Local Democracy Reporter