Before and after: Heywood Civic’s £5.5m transformation
Friday saw the reopening of the venue, more than a year after it was shuttered for a much-needed refresh by Rochdale Development Agency, the council-controlled investment company.
Heywood Civic dates to 1966 and sits off of Pine Street in the town. It is a multi-purpose culture hub geared towards providing performance, workshop, and events spaces, as well as the home of the community arts charity Cartwheel Arts.
- Before: the lobby and reception area. Credit: K2 Architects
- Before: the lobby and reception area. Credit: K2 Architects
- After: the new cafe and bar area. Credit: via Rochdale Council
- After: the new cafe and bar area. Credit: via Rochdale Council
Main contractor Conlon Construction began work on the refurbishment of the space in December 2024. The £5.5m programme of works included building a 1,600 sq ft extension for a bar and café, introducing retractable seating to the main auditorium, and installing improved changing areas.
Along the way, ventilation, lighting, and sound infrastructure were also improved – as was the building’s energy efficiency and accessibility.
The project was delivered by RDA for the council, with support from Your Trust Rochdale and the Arts Council England.
- Before: the exterior of Heywood Civic. Credit: K2 Architects
- After: the exterior of Heywood Civic. Credit: via Rochdale Council
K2 Architects led the design team, alongside Steven Hunt Associates and Sutcliffe. The project manager for the scheme was Hive Project Managers. Identity Consult advised on cost.
Reflecting on the work to Heywood Civic, Rochdale Council Leader Cllr Neil Emmott said: “Heywood Civic has served the community of Heywood and beyond for six decades.
“This fantastic transformation has ensured it will continue to be a focal point for entertainment and the arts for this town and the wider borough for many years to come,” he continued
“I’m delighted to see the results of this ambitious project and know our residents and visitors will love it too.”
- Before: the auditorium at Heywood Civic. Credit: K2 Architects
- After: the auditorium at Heywood Civic with Your Trust’s Chris Coleman, Rochdale Council’s Cllr Sue Smith, Arts Council England’s Penny Thompson, and Rochdale Council Leader Cllr Neil Emmott. Credit: via Rochdale Council
- After: a look at some of the detail at Heywood Civic. Credit: via Rochdale Council
- After: a look at some of the detail at Heywood Civic. Credit: via Rochdale Council
Arts Council England’s North West director Jen Cleary added: “We are proud to have supported the redevelopment of Heywood Civic Centre through our Capital Investment Programme.
“The centre is a place where everyone in the local community can discover their creativity and enjoy the benefits that cultural activity can bring to their wellbeing, as well as develop skills and pride in where they live,” she said.
“I’m sure that the fantastic programme of events will encourage more people to visit Rochdale borough where they can see the cultural energy of the town for themselves.”
The opening of the refurbished Heywood Civic is the start of a wider regeneration project for the town, which was the subject of a £20m Pride in Place award.
This money is currently being used to makeover Peine Square, adding new planting, paving, lighting, tiered seating, a mini-stage, a performance area, and informal play areas. Conlon Construction is the main contractor for this project as well.
You can view the planning application for the revival of Heywood Civic by searching reference 23/01241/FUL on Rochdale Council’s planning portal.
It looks good is the new cafe open to the public all week what hours is open it is only for snacks or main meals as well what is the menu ?
By Gareth. Morris