by Nikki Staley
From its proud heritage to its exciting future, Rochdale is a place where people can put down roots, raise families, and enjoy an active and fulfilling life at every stage. Today, the borough is undergoing a renaissance, investing in its people, places and communities to ensure prosperity for generations to come.
A town of culture and heritage
Rochdale is the birthplace of cooperation, and that spirit of community still runs through the town today. The Rochdale Pioneers Museum keeps alive the story of the first cooperative store, while Touchstones, the borough’s art and heritage hub, is undergoing a multi-million-pound transformation. When it reopens, it will offer a vibrant year-round programme of exhibitions, family activities, workshops and talks.
As the Greater Manchester Town of Culture, Rochdale is proud to host a packed calendar of events, from food and drink festivals to literature, art and music, creating opportunities for people to come together and celebrate. With heritage, creativity and community at its heart, Rochdale is a destination for culture lovers of all ages.
A town centre to be proud of
The transformation of Rochdale’s town centre has already delivered a £250 million regeneration. Rochdale Riverside combines shopping, dining, leisure and entertainment, while Number One Riverside brings together library, council and civic services in a modern hub. The River Roch has been uncovered, restoring medieval character to the heart of town, and the Grade I listed town hall has been carefully restored to its Victorian splendour.
The refurbishment of Heywood Civic Centre and the creation of the Middleton Development Corporation will add even more vibrancy, creating new spaces for culture, business and community life across the borough, and this is just the beginning.
A town that keeps you active
With thirteen Green Flag parks, the dramatic Pennine landscape and Hollingworth Lake, a hub for sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing, Rochdale makes it easy to lead an active lifestyle. Walking routes, nature reserves and outdoor groups encourage residents to connect with the natural environment, while leisure centres across the borough provide modern, accessible facilities for every generation.
A town for families
Families thrive here. With over 85% of schools rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’, Rochdale offers children the best start in life. Beyond the classroom, Your Trust venues deliver sports, arts and leisure activities, and a year-round programme of family events and festivals ensures there is always something to enjoy together. Safe green spaces, thriving communities and affordable homes make the borough an ideal place to grow up.
A town for every stage of life
Rochdale is a place that grows with you. Independent cafés, bars and restaurants are flourishing alongside festivals such as the Feel Good Festival, Street Eat and the Ignite Fire Festival. Beyond the town centre, Middleton Arena and Heywood Civic Centre provide a stage for live music, theatre, comedy and community events. Whether you are starting out, raising a family, or enjoying later life, Rochdale offers something for everyone.
A town connected and ambitious
Rochdale’s location in Greater Manchester means fast, easy connections. Trains, trams and buses link to central Manchester in as little as 15 minutes, while Manchester Airport opens up global opportunities.
The borough is also looking firmly to the future. Atom Valley, one of the UK’s most significant growth zones, will drive economic prosperity, creating jobs, skills and opportunities in advanced manufacturing, green industry and innovation. It represents the next chapter in Rochdale’s story: a place that honours its heritage while building for the future.
Rochdale is a town for today and tomorrow, a place to enjoy culture and heritage, raise a family, stay active, and thrive at every stage of life. This is just the beginning of a new chapter in the
borough’s renaissance.
