Rochdale set for ‘cultural improvement’ thanks to £4.2 million government grant

Funding has been secured for a grant of £4.2 million from the government’s cultural heritage fund- with plans set to provide ‘cultural improvement’ for the town of Rochdale.

Awarded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sports and delivered by Arts Council England the funding will enable the development of a new cultural improvement district within Rochdale town centre.

Plans for using the funding include improvements to paving, landscaping, and lighting across Rochdale Town Hall Square- making the space fully pedestrianised.

Additionally, funds will be used to create new creative spaces- backing public art, branding, signage, and marketing for the enhancement of visitor experiences, aiming to connect commercial, residential and heritage areas across Rochdale.

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation said: “This funding means we can take forward our exciting plans for a new Rochdale Cultural District, bringing together our outstanding heritage and cultural assets to attract more visitors, create new opportunities for residents and to complement the growing town centre retail, food and leisure offer. 

"We will also be creating a new cultural partnership to develop and deliver more projects across the borough, increasing opportunities for residents, creatives and creative businesses.” 

The venue of Touchstones, located within the town’s library will too benefit from the government funding- undergoing major upgrades to be transformed into a flagship arts-led space, with new performance and production spaces and areas for training, events and exhibitions.

Additionally, Touchstones will receive new retail and catering offers alongside improvements to displays, collections and public access- in hopes of modernising the building and bringing it into the 21st century.

Estelle Rowe, deputy CEO and director of finance at Your Trust added: “This investment will preserve and enhance our beautiful museum and gallery, helping it to move to a new and exciting chapter in its history. 

"Touchstones is where all members of our community can express their creativity. The building refurbishment and creation of a cultural hub will enable us to create even more opportunities for the people of the borough to enjoy culture in all its shapes and forms. 

"We welcome the recognition by Arts Council England that our borough is a place where culture can make a huge difference to people from all walks of life and of all ages.”

Hoping to incorporate Rochdale’s title of the birthplace of the global co-operative movement will also be crucial to future funding plans. Through events and cultural activities within the borough, Rochdale Council wants to bring diverse groups together to tell the story.

The funding awarded across the country is intended to give people from historically low levels of cultural engagement and boost economic growth.