Page 7 - Real Rochdale Issue 21 Spring 2024

Multi-million-pound revamp of

Rochdale Town Hall

Rochdale Town Hall is one of the North West’s Decades of grime has been removed,
finest historic buildings. Built in 1871, the unveiling hundreds of intricate red and gold Delicate work on painted surfaces Angel on the ceiling of the Great Hall
iconic Grade I Listed building closed in 2020 to designs, featuring imagery, including the
allow for extensive restoration. English lions and Scottish thistle. On the first floor, a room which was previously A former council meeting room on the ground
used as office space has had years of floor has been transformed into a permanent
The project, which was supported by a £8.9m In the Exchange, the main entrance to the unsympathetic additions – including exhibition space, known as the Welcome
grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, building, Minton floor tiles, which depict a partition walls and a mezzanine floor – Gallery, which tells the story of Rochdale, its
has restored many of the building’s historic hanging fleece and other insignia of Rochdale, removed to reveal a double-height ceiling, people and its past, through objects,
features and created brand new community have been repaired. The elaborate vaulted angels along the walls and a previously hidden interactives and imagery.
spaces in rooms which were previously out of ceiling and sweeping staircase in granite and window with views directly down into
bounds to the public. marble have been cleaned and restored. the Great Hall. In addition to experts, over 500 volunteers
got on board with the project, with Rochdale
Some of the most dramatic changes have taken Stained glass windows, painted surfaces and This room, named the ‘Bright Hall’ after the late residents from the ages of 15 to 82,
place in the Great Hall, where specialists used wood panelling and furniture throughout the Rochdale-born MP and social reformer, John supporting with everything from historical
a variety of equipment to painstakingly restore building have also been brought back to their Bright, will be used by community groups and research to cleaning and conservation.
the 350 panels which cover the room’s ceiling. former glory. for events.

Photos above right, below
Staircase to the Great Hall The Great Hall and left: Gregory Couzens

REAL ROCHDALE - SPRING 2024 6 7 REAL ROCHDALE - SPRING 2024