The redevelopment of Touchstones Rochdale, the borough’s major arts and heritage venue is progressing following the appointment of construction company HH Smith and Sons Limited as main contractor.
The Manchester-based firm started work on site last month, which will see the much loved building transformed into a creative and cultural hub with new flexible performance and creative studio spaces, meeting rooms and improved galleries.
The work also includes a new dining space combining the theme of food with the borough’s collections, co-created alongside Rochdale’s diverse communities. ‘The Dining Room’ will see 3 artists commissioned to work with 20 community curators to produce a new museum and dining space for when it re-opens in 2025.
Vital works to improve the building’s accessibility and sustainability will also take place.
The project is funded by the Cultural Development Fund (a Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport fund administered by Arts Council England) and Rochdale Borough Council as part of an £8.5 million investment into arts and culture across the borough. Touchstones Rochdale also became one of Arts Council England’s ‘National Portfolio Organisations’ for the first time in 2024.
The project has been developed in partnership between Rochdale Borough Council, Your Trust who operate Touchstones Rochdale as the council’s culture and leisure partner and Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) who deliver regeneration projects on behalf of the council.
The Touchstones project forms a key part of the establishment of a creative district in Rochdale town centre, which includes the refurbishment of Rochdale Town Hall, the new town hall square, the Fire Up digital and creative co-working space, new artist workspaces on Richard Street as well as new public art, signage and marketing.
