Heritage Open Days – what would you like to see?

Heritage: Rochdale Town Hall

Once again this September some of the borough’s most spectacular and intriguing buildings will be opening their doors to the public - and now organisers want to know what local buildings you’d like to have a look around.

Heritage Open Days is a nationwide event, celebrating England’s architecture and culture by offering free access to buildings that are usually closed to the public or charge admission.

It’s a once a year chance to discover hidden architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities which bring to local history and culture to life.

Last year in the borough a record number of venues took part. Over 1,500 visits were made across the weekend, with people attracted to the borough from around the country.

It’s a once a year chance to discover hidden architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities which bring to local history and culture to life at buildings of every age, style and function.

Last year in Rochdale, lots of movie fans stepped back in time for a look around the former Regal Cinema, one of 36 local buildings that took part in Heritage Open Days.

Christopher Riley, General Manager at the Regal’s owners JD Wetherspoons, said: “I was very pleased with the interest we got in the building, all the tours were full, and they brought back many memories to people who said they really appreciated it. We know how popular our heritage is and we are keen to be involved again.”

If you can think of a local building that you would you like to see open to the public in September, or if you would like to open your building for Heritage Open Days email your suggestions by 6 April to tic@link4life.org or write to: Tourist Information Centre, Touchstones, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1QA.

Tourism Officer Tim Nuttall from Rochdale Borough Council said Heritage Open Days make for a fascinating day out: “We’re seeing an increase in visits, and want to build on this so that Heritage Open Days goes from strength to strength in the borough. Once again this year we will be adding some new experiences to the line up. It's a once-a-year chance to uncover and discover hidden treasures and rarely told stories. We have some good ideas already, but we’re also asking the public to tell us what they’d really like to see, and appealing to building owners to come forward, so please get in touch.”

Organised by volunteers and supported by Link4Life, the council Heritage Open Days National Partnership. Heritage Open Days is England’s biggest and most popular voluntary cultural event.

Details of the local buildings taking part in the borough will be announced in June and the open days will be held from 6 -9 September.