Council Leader's views on 'Rochdale’s jewel in the crown'

Photo: Journeaux

Repairing Rochdale Town Hall roof

With news that Rochdale Council is to submit a major bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to help finance a project to revitalise the Grade 1 Listed Rochdale Town Hall, the Leader of the Council, Councillor Richard Farnell, gives his thoughts on why this work on "Rochdale’s jewel in the crown" is needed and long overdue.

Councillor Farnell said: “The Town Hall is Rochdale’s jewel in the crown. It has suffered from lack of investment and what can only described as municipal vandalism in the past, with wonderful historical features ripped out to create low grade office and storage space. The fabric of the building was left to rot with disastrous consequences. This is as much a rescue project as it is a restoration one.

“We are already on with repairing the roof and preserving the fabric of the building to protect many of its original features from the wind and rain. Now we have plans to go further and restore this grand old building to its Victorian splendour.

Councillor Richard Farnell

“Heritage is important for our long term economic future. The Town Hall is central to our regeneration plans for the whole town centre to create a vibrant and exciting destination that will attract thousands of visitors to the town and to spend money here.

“It’s a multi-million pound restoration project that would have to be completed over a number of phases over several years. But we are determined to get on with it. We are confident we will be able to attract substantial heritage grants to fund this important historical task.

“I also want the public and community organisations to be able to enjoy and use the building much more. It is Rochdale’s Town Hall and our heritage.

“I would also like to see more commercial use of the building to bring in much needed income, such as conference and wedding facilities, and the possibility of a top-class restaurant.”