Plans for the landmark redevelopment of Touchstones Rochdale, the borough’s major arts and heritage venue have been approved by Rochdale Council and work is due to commence in spring 2024.
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 2023.
The approved plans will see the much loved building transformed into a creative and cultural hub with new flexible performance and production spaces for artists, improved areas for training, live events and exhibitions.
The work will also include a new dining space combining the theme of food with the borough’s collections, co-created alongside Rochdale’s diverse communities. Thanks to an additional grant of just under £250,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund ‘The Dining Room’ will see 3 artists commissioned to work with 20 community curators to produce a new museum space alongside several other projects in time for when it reopens in 2025. This will include collaborations with Tate and the National Gallery and a reimagining of Harry Meadley’s 2022 exhibition Free-For-All.
The Touchstones Rochdale 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.
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council said:
“We are very grateful for the Arts Council support which is enabling us to significantly upgrade Touchstones Rochdale and create new cultural projects which will help to boost visitor numbers, support local businesses and drive economic growth. Work will start on site soon, turning the building into something truly wonderful and fit for the 21st century, creating more opportunities for local people and visitors to enjoy culture in Rochdale.”
