Improving physical and intellectual access

Designed by William H Crossland and opening in 1871, this Grade I-listed masterpiece is recognised as one of the most historically significant Victorian buildings in the country. By the 21st century, the building fabric had become compromised and deemed unfit for the changing needs of Rochdale Borough Council. Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and led by Rochdale Development Agency, a series of design interventions have been made to improve physical and intellectual access to this much-loved building.

Creating a space for everyone

In addition to extensive repair and restoration work undertaken to the most historically significant areas such as The Great Hall and the Mayor’s suite of rooms, previously unseen spaces are now accessible to the public for the first time. In the Bright Hall, unsympathetic 20th-century additions were removed to reveal a double-height ceiling, angles along the walls, and a hidden window into the Great Hall.

A series of internal and external adaptations were made to consolidate circulation and unlock public access, including an accessible terracing that wraps around the building, which replaces a series of aesthetically detracting individual ramps while giving level access to all external entrances. A lift and staircase, along with a glazed entrance, has been installed in the Alfred Waterhouse-designed clock tower.

The public realm has been transformed by removing surrounding roads and car parks. A multi-functional civic space, designed by Gillespies, offers a vibrant and accessible welcome to the Town Hall.

Powered by the community

The project has actively involved the local community and more than 500 volunteers from inception to completion. In addition, a heritage skills studio has been set up in the basement of the Town Hall, where a specialist conservator has been employed and can host volunteer training and workshops; the council aims to increase the number of employed conservators to three. The aims is to offer these specialist conservation services to other heritage buildings in the borough while maintaining a resource of local knowledge as a long-term legacy of the project.