Rochdale Town Hall has stood in the heart of the town since 1871 but has been closed off to the public for the last few years to undergo vital restoration work. Now however, as these amazing pictures show, it’s ready to reopen in style.
The prized historic asset, a Grade I listed building, has been brought back to its former glory as part of a project worth around £20million after thousands of hours of work from construction workers, curators and hundreds of volunteers.
Once the venue opens again on March 3, big events such as weddings and parties can be held at the town hall once more. The town hall is going to take centre stage for festivals and events in the area once it reopens. The Christmas lights switch on and the Festival of Ideas is expected to heavily feature the newly refurbished town hall. In addition to restoring many of the building’s historic spaces, the project will enable the town hall, which was previously primarily a council building, to operate as a tourist attraction for the first time in its 153-year history.
1. Rochdale Town Hall
The Grade I-listed building was designed by William H Crossland and originally opened in 1871. | Lee McLean/SWNS Photo: Lee McLean/SWNS
2. Rochdale Town Hall
Communications officer, Jenny Francis, stands at the top of the grand staircase with the restored stained glass windows behind her. | Lee McLean/SWNS Photo: Lee McLean/SWNS
3. Rochdale Town Hall
Building manager, Lisa Carruthers, stands in the Great Hall. | Lee McLean/SWNS Photo: Lee McLean/SWNS
4. Rochdale Town Hall
Building manager, Lisa Currathers, and communications officer, Jenny Francis, sit under a Magna Carta mural by the pre-Raphaelite painter Henry Holiday inside the Great Hall. | Lee McLean/SWNS Photo: Lee McLean/SWNS