Rochdale Town Hall receives major National Lottery Heritage Fund Grant

Rochdale Town Hall, one of the most historically significant buildings in the country, is in line for a major restoration after The National Lottery Heritage Fund approved an £8.3m grant to redevelop the Grade I listed icon.

The funding boost will support ambitious plans to restore the building’s many historic features, which have been described by Historic England as being rivalled in importance only by those contained within the Palace of Westminster.

The restoration includes vital repair work to the 149-year-old town hall, which is one of the best examples of gothic architecture in the country. As well as restoring the building, the project will open this heritage asset up to new audiences, both locally and nationally, and make it more accessible than ever before. Precious parts of the original structure set to be restored include the magna-carta mural and ornate ceiling panels in the Great Hall, as well as the building’s historic rooms, including the Mayor’s Parlour.

We are providing M&E Engineering services for the project with a focus on improving the efficiency of the building and providing conservation protection for the sensitive interior. A full new heating system is to be provided with conservation at the core, restoring former radiators with modern day control to improve conservation and comfort. 1930’s light fittings will be restored with LED emitters, and new evacuation lifts will provide accessibility to all floors for the first time.

“We’re delighted that, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, we are able to support the restoration of the magnificent Rochdale Town Hall. Grand and impressive town halls like Rochdale’s are an iconic part of the north’s rich heritage and signal the splendour and importance of our towns' and cities' role in the Industrial Revolution. […] We know that investment in heritage can have a tremendously positive impact on local economies and the revamp of Rochdale Town Hall will provide a further boost to the ongoing regeneration of the borough.” - David Renwick, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund

 

“After a year studying, surveying and revealing the secrets of the Grade I listed town hall building, we are proud to be part of the exceptional team that has secured funding to restore this masterpiece to return it back to the community for another century” – Iain Shaw, Partner and Principal Engineer at Max Fordham