HH Smith set to continue the project to transform Rochdale Town Hall

Posted by on 8 Apr 2022

Construction company HH Smith has been selected to continue working on the restoration of the Grade I-listed Rochdale Town Hall after impressing with the work they have done on the project so far.
Phase two is now progressing as part of the major scheme that is funded by Rochdale Borough Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, including £8.9million from the Heritage Fund.

Work being done during the next phase of the project, which began in January 2021, includes the restoration of the giant Magna Carta mural and about 350 ornate ceiling panels in the Great Hall. Work will continue on the building’s famous stained glass windows and the grand staircase - which has served as a backdrop to several films and TV dramas, and wedding photographs – will be restored.

The town hall will be made more accessible with a new lift in the clock tower and new terracing around the outside of the building. It will also be more environmentally sustainable thanks to updated radiators, insulation, glazing and lighting.

Old and unused offices where the Music Service used to be located will be transformed into a new space called the ‘Bright Hall’ in honour of the town’s world famous former MP John Bright, and a new welcome gallery on the ground floor will be created.

Once complete there will be free access to all visitors with tours and a host of activities already in planning, with the magnificent gothic building becoming a community and events space.

HH Smith was selected for the final phase following a competitive tendering process, after impressing with their work on the first phase of the major improvement project. The company pride themselves in delivering sustainable buildings and are registered as being considerate constructors. Their approach to managing building work and the environment played a key part in their choice to see the renovation of Rochdale Town Hall through to re-opening, which is planned for August 2023.

Construction director Rob Smith, who oversees the project, said: “It is a real honour to be continuing with the renovation for Rochdale Town Hall. We are delighted that we are going to be able to complete the project and work alongside Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) to realise the potential of this great building.

“We have made a great deal of progress since undertaking the project in January 2021 and we can already see the building transforming. We are really excited at the prospect of returning the town hall to its former glory.”

The first phase of the project saw major building works being carried out to improve safety and appearance. Asbestos has been stripped out and new fire protection systems were introduced to safeguard the building, which is considered to be one of the finest town halls in the country.

Urgent roof repairs have also been completed and the building’s basement has been gutted and areas opened up with the removal of partition walls.

Restoration work has started on decorative walls, panelling, stone work and stained glass windows. The old electrical systems and internal drainage have also been modernised. And structural work is underway to create new lifts and access points in preparation for the building being accessible to all residents and visitors.

Acting director of economy at Rochdale Borough Council, Mark Robinson, said: “A great deal of progress has been made by HH Smith, other partners and volunteers to successfully develop the town hall ready for us to move into stage two of the restoration.

“We are very pleased with the work done by HH Smith over the last 15 months and we are confident their skills and desire to work in a conservation framework are exactly what we need to fulfil the project in time for an opening in late 2023.”