Latest vision for Rochdale Town Hall Square transformation revealed
New images of the transformation of Rochdale’s Town Hall Square have been released by its architects.
The work is part of plans to complement the restoration of the Grade I-listed Rochdale Town Hall, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which began last year.
The architect, Gillespies, will create a new public square to better frame surrounding buildings, including the town hall, the Grade I-listed war memorial designed by the late architect Edwin Lutyens, and the old post office building.
Lawned areas, with plants and trees, will be created directly in front of the town hall to boost biodiversity.
Among standout features will be a spectacular carpet of historic paving, which will run through the centre of the new lawns and directly connect the cenotaph and memorial gardens with the town hall entrance.
Unique inscriptions, inspired by the historic symbols within the town hall, such as cotton plants, sheep and the Lancashire rose, will be etched into the pavings to tell the story of Rochdale’s most famous building and inspire people to come inside and learn more.
New terracing will be created at the side and back of the building as well as an outdoor seating area and an outdoor dining space for the Clock Tower restaurant on the ground floor.
On the Packer Street side of the town hall, which is lined with thriving bars and pubs, traditional paving will be installed, along with trees and benches, to create an open area which can facilitate large scale events like the Feel Good Festival, as well as creating an open area for people to relax in the town centre.
Cheshire-based designer Broadbent Studio has been commissioned to create the seating, which will be inspired by textile patterns from around the world, in a nod to the thriving cotton industry which dominated Rochdale’s economy at the time the town hall was opened in 1871.
Cllr John Blundell, cabinet member for economy at Rochdale Borough Council and RDA board member, said: “Beautiful public realm is all too often sacrificed in the competition for space in our town and city centres, and there are few striking examples of fantastic quality outdoor spaces in our urban areas.
Another view of the transformation
“That’s why this project will be transformational for Rochdale town centre. It will better frame the spectacular town hall and link it even more closely with the wider conservation area, which includes the reopened River Roch and the cenotaph and memorial gardens.”
He added: “It will also be a place for people to come and relax among plants and greenery, which will complement the green flag parks within the town centre, as well creating a boost for businesses in the vicinity. Along with the redeveloped town hall, this will become an incredibly important part of our town centre once it reopens in 2023.”
Warren Chapman, associate partner at Gillespies, said: “We are so excited to see our designs bringing new life into the heart of Rochdale town centre. The completed project will transform a sea of car parking into a people-friendly civic space that caters for events and celebrations for the people of Rochdale to enjoy and cherish.”
