Page 21 - Real Rochdale Issue 17 Spring 2023

Benches for new Town Hall Square

inspired by global fabric designs

Nine new bench seats inspired by fabric
designs from around the world are being
constructed for the new Rochdale Town Hall
Square.

The seats will encircle trees in the new square
and feature global fabric patterns as a nod to
Rochdale’s heritage, when locally woven
textiles were traded across the world.

The benches use patterns from a wide spread Photo: Gillespies
of cultures, building up a mosaic of patterns to
represent each continent. The benches are being created by Cheshire-
based designers Broadbent Studios and
Some patterns are drawn from designs specialist ceramicists Darwen Terracotta for
originally painted or printed onto fabric. the square, part of the town hall
Others are from designs created in the weave, redevelopment and refurbishment.
or through tie-dye, appliqué or embroidery.
Warren Chapman, associate partner at
Concrete curved beams have already been landscape architecture Gillespies, said: “We are
installed for the three groups of seats which delighted to see the progress on bringing new
are located at the Packer Street side of the life into the heart of Rochdale town centre.
square.
“The completed project will create people-
The first glazed sections representing Asia and friendly civic space for generations of Rochdale
Africa have been successfully fired, and work residents to enjoy and cherish.”
on the Oceania and Europe sections will begin
shortly. The patterns representing the The project is being delivered by Rochdale
Americas have been carved into the clay and Development Agency on behalf of Rochdale
are being dried before they are glazed. Borough Council.

Photos: Broadbent Studios

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