Contractor wanted for Rochdale’s Touchstones overhaul
With an eye on a February 2024 start date, Rochdale Development Agency is offering a £4m-£5m contract to transform the grade two-listed art gallery and museum into a multidisciplinary cultural hub.
Rochdale Development Agency is asking interested contractors to submit a supplier selection questionnaire for the Touchstones revamp via Proactis listing DN692554. The Rochdale Council-controlled company will then use those responses to craft a shortlist of five companies who will be invited to pitch for the contract.
Contractors have until 3 November to submit their interest to RDA.
Whoever emerges successful from the process will be tasked with constructing Architectural Emporium’s designs for Touchstones, which include crafting a flexible performance area, dining area, artist studios, coworking space, and reimagined displays that add an interactive element to the museum’s displays.
The project will also improve the accessibility of the historic building by adding fully accessible toilets and a ramp. A planning application detailing the project was submitted to Rochdale Council earlier this year.
“We know Touchstones is a much-loved space but it has a great deal more potential than is currently being realised and is in much need of updating,” said Cllr Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Council.
“This investment will help to make much more of the asset we already have, creating more opportunities for local people and visitors from across the region to participate in and enjoy culture here.”
Funding for the £6m project comes largely from Arts Council England, National Lottery, and the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport. The Touchstones revamp is being delivered in partnership between RDA, Rochdale Council, and charity Your Trust.
The project team includes landscape architect Gillespies, project manager Hive Projects, and quantity surveyor Identity Consult. BB Heritage is the conversation consultant. Steven Hunt & Associates and Sutcliffe are providing engineering services. Jenson Hughes is the fire engineer and Hann Tucker Associates is the noise expert.
You can learn more about the redesign by searching 23/00623/FUL on Rochdale Council’s planning portal.
