New contractor appointed as Touchstones transformation moves up

The redevelopment of Touchstones Rochdale, the borough’s major arts and heritage venue is progressing with the appointment of construction company Schofield and Sons, who are working on first-floor galleries and carrying out further roof repairs.

The Greater Manchester based firm moved on site this month and will be improving first-floor gallery spaces to provide better conditions for artwork and a much lighter, brighter experience for visitors.

The ground floor, basement and some roof work has already been completed by H.H. Smith and Sons Ltd, with new flexible performance spaces including a 130-seat studio, meeting rooms, education facilities, reception, dining and collections space, kitchen and artwork storage area as the project moves into its next phase.

Due to be completed in summer 2027, the project is funded by the Cultural Development Fund (a DCMS fund administered by Arts Council England) and Rochdale Borough Council, as part of major investment into arts and culture across the borough. Touchstones became one of Arts Council England’s ‘National Portfolio Organisations’ for the first time in 2023. Improvements to these first-floor galleries are being made with funding from The Wolfson Foundation, whilst The Dining Room, a combined museum, dining and events space was made possible by a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant, thanks to National Lottery players.

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Appointing Schofield and Sons is another milestone as this amazing project moves into its final year and I am excited to see the improvements to the gallery spaces over the coming months. These galleries will house major exhibitions and significant collections, and they are often what residents remember so well when reflecting on their memories of this building. I cannot wait to see the transformation continue over the coming months, turning the building into something truly wonderful and fit for the 21st century, creating more opportunities for everyone to enjoy culture and the history of our borough in a more modern public space.”

The Touchstones project forms a key part of the establishment of a creative district in Rochdale town centre, which included 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. 

Estelle Rowe, chief executive of Your Trust, the organisation responsible for running the building when it re-opens added: “These new galleries will enable artists to present exceptional artworks and we have exciting plans for them. The spaces will help us connect past and present art and ideas, engaging residents and visitors and bringing more world class artists to the core of our activities.”