Historic Grade II listed art gallery to get revamp

The Grade II listed Touchstones Rochdale building dates back to 1884

Plans for the redevelopment of a major arts and heritage venue have taken a step closer.

The Grade II listed Touchstones Rochdale building, which dates back to 1884, is set to be transformed into a creative and cultural hub with new flexible performance and creative studio spaces, meeting rooms and improved galleries.

Manchester-based firm HH Smith and Sons Ltd started work on the site last month with plans set to improve the building’s accessibility and sustainability.

Jen Cleary, North West director of Arts Council England said the venue would be a "dynamic creative hub for the town".

The work includes a new dining space combining the theme of food with the borough’s collections, co-created alongside Rochdale’s diverse communities.

"The Dining Room" will see three artists commissioned to work with 20 community curators to produce a new museum and dining space for when it reopens in 2025.

Ms Cleary added: "We’re confident it will evolve into an important part of the town’s new creative district, providing more opportunities for artists, and attracting new audiences to some fantastic, new cultural activities."

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council said the appointment was a "vital step in bringing this project to life".

The project is funded by the Cultural Development Fund - a Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport fund administered by Arts Council England - and Rochdale Borough Council as part of an £8.5m investment into arts and culture across the borough.

Touchstones Rochdale has also became one of Arts Council England’s national portfolio organisations for the first time this year.