News 18.12.2020

Rochdale Town Hall takes major step forward

The multi-million-pound redevelopment of Rochdale Town Hall for Rochdale Council and Rochdale Development Agency is progressing fast, with contractors ready to begin on-site within the next few weeks on the first phase of the building work.

The scheme, supported by an £8.9m grant from the national lottery heritage fund, will see the grade II-listed building's historic rooms and features restored and its town hall square revitalised through extensive public realm improvements by Gillespies.

The area around the town hall will be redeveloped as part of the Phase 2 project through the creation of a brand new public square that can be used for events and as a stunning open area for visitors and residents to relax. The plans involve extensive repaving and the removal of the road and parking in front of the town hall to create a large paved plaza with extensive pockets of planting, trees and seating, which will help establish a convivial setting for the community and visitors alike.

Councillor Blundell, Rochdale Council, commented: "We will need to make some big changes to the car park to enable work to get underway, but our visitors will still have a huge number of parking options available throughout Rochdale town centre, with a large number of these bays being council-owned so that people can benefit from three hours' free parking every day.

"In the longer term, this car park will be replaced by something so much better. It will be a stunning public square where people can come and relax, as well as enjoy major events, like the Feel Good Festival. Sandwiched between our Grade I listed town hall, our Grade I listed cenotaph and the old post office, this square will really frame these wonderful buildings, which are currently obscured by a sea of cars."

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Rochdale Town Hall