Rochdale Town Hall

Rochdale, Greater Manchester 

Client: Rochdale Borough Council
Value: £ 20 Million

In collaboration with the Rochdale Development Agency, FWP has played a leading role in the success of this project as quantity surveyor and cost manager, ensuring the project was delivered within its budget. Rochdale Town Hall restoration, a significant project that underscores our role in preserving one of the North West’s most significant historic buildings. The project, which began in 2020, aimed to restore the Grade I Listed building, a central feature of Rochdale since 1871. With support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund through an £8.9m grant, we have managed to restore numerous historic features and introduce new community spaces within parts of the building previously closed to the public.

Significant achievements include the restoration of the Great Hall, where experts employed various techniques, such as the use of cotton wool buds, to restore 350 ceiling panels. This meticulous work has revealed beautiful designs in red and gold, visible for the first time in decades.

A key highlight was on the first floor, where a room previously cluttered with modern additions, such as partition walls, was transformed. These elements were removed to reveal the original double-height ceiling, complete with angels along the walls and a previously concealed window offering views directly into the Great Hall. Named ‘Bright Hall’ in honour of John Bright, a prominent Rochdale figure, this space is now designated for community groups and events. Additionally, the ground floor was reimagined to house the Welcome Gallery, a permanent exhibition space dedicated to telling the story of Rochdale and its people.

The project extended beyond aesthetic enhancements, with critical updates like the addition of more lifts and entrances making the building fully accessible for the first time. Other major improvements included roof repairs and the introduction of new, more efficient heating systems, ensuring the building’s longevity.

The exterior of the town hall also saw major changes, with the Town Hall Square receiving a multi-million-pound upgrade, including new seating, decorative paving, and landscaped areas to create a welcoming space for events.

Through this project, FWP has demonstrated its ability to manage complex restoration efforts, successfully blending historical preservation with modern accessibility, ensuring the Rochdale Town Hall remains a cherished landmark for years to come.