Rochdale Town Hall wins Best Heritage Project at the 2025 RICS Awards

We are delighted to share that the restoration of Rochdale Town Hall and its surrounding public realm has won Best Heritage Project at the 2025 RICS Awards.

Gillespies joined Rochdale Borough Council, Donald Insall Associates, FWP and HH Smith & Sons at the award ceremony to celebrate this outstanding achievement.

Originally designed by William Crossland and opened in 1871, the Grade I listed Rochdale Town Hall is one of the finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture in the UK, reflecting the town’s distinguished history in the textile industry.

The building’s stunning façade and ornate interiors have been sensitively restored by Donald Insall Associates, while the public realm has been spectacularly transformed by Gillespies’ Manchester studio.

Our reimagining of the Town Hall’s setting has created a vibrant civic space that brings Rochdale’s rich heritage into the heart of the community. By removing the surrounding road and parking, we’ve opened up a versatile new civic square — a welcoming, flexible gathering space that celebrates the building’s historic significance.

At the heart of this transformation lies The Rochdale Carpet, a magnificent “warp and weft” of natural stone paving featuring artworks by local artist Doodhler, telling the story of Victorian Rochdale’s textile and industrial heritage.

The new public realm also features:

• Formal lawns, mature trees and seasonal planting
• Restored heritage lighting and public art installations
• ‘Global Benches’ - charming glazed terracotta seats designed by Broadbent Studios and crafted by Darwen Terracotta, inspired by bolts of fabric and global textile trade patterns
• The town’s beloved Gracie Fields statue, proudly remaining in her cherished spot

The restored Town Hall now stands once again as Rochdale’s centrepiece. Our design captures the essence of Rochdale’s historical narrative, transforming this heritage site into a world-class destination for residents and visitors alike.