Rochdale Town Hall is widely regarded as one of the UK’s finest examples of Victorian gothic architecture. The Grade-I listed building was designed by William Crossland and opened in 1871 as a symbol of the town’s industrial standing in the textiles trade.
A Town Hall reborn
In 2021 work began to restore the building to its former glory, some 150 years after it was first completed.
Now brought back to its former glory, Rochdale Town Hall is magnificent reminder of Rochdale’s rich history but also a warm, welcoming public space with a breath-taking backdrop for celebrations and events.
Outside, Town Hall Square provides a place for the local community to come together.
How it started
Over time Rochdale Town Hall fell into a poor state of repair and its restoration became vital in preserving the building for future generations.
A digital scan carried out by the Archaeology Department at Salford University revealed a treasure trove of forgotten rooms and obscured features.
A phased approach
Phase 1 of the restoration
Funded by Rochdale Borough Council, phase 1 of the restoration project got underway in January 2021 with major structural works carried out on the building including:
- Removing asbestos
- Removing the old electrical system
- Modernising the building's drainage system
- Structural work to create openings for new lifts and access points
- Removing partition walls and mezzanines
- Putting in place protection for the stained glass windows and wood panelling
- Putting in place foundations for the new terracing around the town hall
- Putting in place a new fire protection system
- Cleaning external stonework
Phase 2 of the restoration
With additional support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Phase 2 began in summer 2021.
During this time-consuming and labour-intensive period, work took place to make the building accessible to everyone.
Phase 2 was to bring the town hall’s historic rooms to life, opening up hidden spaces and providing a brand new visitor attraction and community driven space for the people of Rochdale. Works included:
- Internal repairs
- Restoration of stained glass windows, including the Cromwell window which was removed and taken to studios in York for preservation.
- External repairs including roof works, stone repairs and pointing
- Window replacements to make the town hall waterproof
- Making the building fully accessible with a new lift and staircase in the clock tower, and new terracing around the building
- Providing adequate toilet facilities on all floors
- Specialist cleaning of the delicate painted interiors in all heritage rooms such as the Great Hall, Mayor’s Parlour and the main reception
- Improving roof insulation to make the building more environmentally sustainable
- A new secure entrance to the building known as the Welcome Gallery
- Creating a new Town Hall Square for pedestrians
Thanks to you
Community involvement was at the heart of our restoration.
Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) consulted local people before the restoration started and used the responses in the planning stages. One of the main things that people said was that they wanted Rochdale Town Hall to be a space for everyone.
Rochdale Town Hall is now more accessible for all visitors and provides a safe space that promotes cultural community activities.
There is now a lift and staircase within the clock tower to improve access, with separate access to the Bright Hall on the second floor. Outside, ramps have been put in place for wheelchair users, people with mobility issues and for those visiting with pushchairs.
Visit Rochdale Town Hall
If you want to take a look around the town hall then there’s no need to pre-book ahead of your visit. Just drop in, we’re open 7 days a week.