Heritage Open Days

Photo: Journeaux

Rochdale Town Hall Grand Staircase

Some of the most spectacular and intriguing local buildings are open to the public for free this weekend. Heritage Open Days, which starts on Thursday and runs until Sunday is a nationwide event, celebrating England’s architecture and culture. It offers free access to buildings that are usually closed to the public or charge admission.

Buildings of every age, style and function will be opening along with a range of tours, events and activities. These include the former Regal Cinema in Rochdale. Whilst its ground floor is now best known as a Wetherspoons public house, the Regal originally opened as a 1,901 seat Art Deco cinema back in 1938. The circle, and upper floors are not usually open to the public, but this weekend you’ll be able to get a rare chance to explore this fascinating piece of entertainment history.

Currently undergoing extensive restoration, the historic Tonge Hall in Middleton is open for viewing again, providing a chance to see from the outside how the Tudor building, which dates back to 1580 is progressing after being damaged by fire in 2007.

For the first, and last time, the 230ft Municipal Offices in Rochdale, known as the ‘Black Box’ will be offering a ride to the 11th floor where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views and be able to hear about how the town has developed over the years. The building will be demolished in 2012, so this will be a rare last chance to visit one of the town’s biggest landmarks over the last 40 years.

Also new for 2011 is The Old Police Station in Heywood. Now converted into offices, many of the original features have been incorporated into the new design including the old magistrates’ bench and the cells.

Another first this year is the Central Leisure Centre in Rochdale. Completed in 1937 the swimming baths retain a number of interesting original features, including magnificent Art Deco style pool halls. Again, it could be the last chance you get to see inside, as the building is due to be demolished next year when a brand new centre opens next door.

Fans of Rochdale AFC are in for a treat too – the clubs Spotland Stadium is offering behind the scenes tours of the 10,200 capacity ground.

Also the Grade 2 listed Long Street Methodist Church in Middleton will open its doors. The spectacular building incorporates Vernacular, Victorian, Art Nouveau and modern architecture. Designed by Middleton’s internationally renowned architect Edgar Wood, it was his largest church project, comprising several buildings around a courtyard.

A regular favourite is the Grade 1 listed Rochdale Town Hall - one of the most impressive town halls in Europe. Free guided tours will be available of this Victorian gothic masterpiece. On Sunday the Great Hall also hosts a craft fair.

The Curtain Theatre in Rochdale will be providing a behind the scenes tour with a talk on the history of the building and its productions.

Also new for 2011 is Bamford United Reformed Church. The Grade 2 listed building remains an integral part of the village, and seats over 300 people, with its own gallery and organ.

You’ll also get a chance to take a guided tour of the majestic Victorian Gothic St Luke’s Parish Church in Heywood, with its stained glass, pulpit and war memorial.

For lovers of the outdoors, you can experience nature on your doorstep, with a ‘Bat Walk’ around Hollingworth Lake Country Park. The gateway to the South Pennines also includes a nature reserve, walks and an award winning picnic area.

A full range of fascinating free guided walks will also be available, including Broadfield Park in Rochdale.

Golden Mosque in Rochdale, the first mosque to be built in the town back in the 1960’s will be opening its doors for tours too, along with Neeli Mosque.

The Rochdale Masonic Building, built in 1926 will also be open.

Other attractions this year include Middleton’s Old Grammar School, Touchstones Arts & Heritage Centre, Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum, Littleborough Coach House, together with other many beautiful churches across the borough.

Organised by volunteers and supported by English Heritage, Rochdale Borough Council, Link4Life and Middleton Civic Association, Heritage Open Days is England’s biggest and most popular voluntary cultural event.

Heritage Open Days will be held from Thursday 8 September until Sunday 11 September. The free programme and full details are available from Rochdale Tourist Information Centre (Phone 01706 924928), your local library, or via the Rochdale Online Events Diary:

www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/search

Some tours need to be booked in advance, so please check before you visit.