Rochdale hires contractor to finish Touchstones
Schofield and Sons has been drafted in to fix the grade two-listed gallery’s roof and deliver the first floor galleries.
The contractor was appointed to complete the refurbishment of Rochdale’s Touchstones arts and heritage venue after H.H Smith and Sons delivered the ground floor and basement elements, as well as some roof works.
H.H Smith has delivered a new flexible performance spaces including a 130-seat studio, meeting rooms, education facilities, reception, dining and collections space, kitchen, and artwork storage area.
The package of works Schofield and Sons will deliver has been procured as a separate phase.
The project, funded by the council and the DCMS and Rochdale Borough Council, was originally scheduled to complete in 2025 but is now due to open in summer 2027.
Cllr Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Council, said: “Appointing Schofield and Sons is another milestone as this amazing project moves into its final year and I am excited to see the improvements to the gallery spaces over the coming months.
“These galleries will house major exhibitions and significant collections, and they are often what residents remember so well when reflecting on their memories of this building. I cannot wait to see the transformation continue over the coming months, turning the building into something truly wonderful and fit for the 21st century, creating more opportunities for everyone to enjoy culture and the history of our borough in a more modern public space.”
Those involved in the revamp managed by Hive Projects include Gillespies and Architectural Emporium as well as consultants BB Heritage Studio, Sutcliffe, Steven Hunt & Associates, Identity Consult, and Jenson Hughes.
Details of the application can be found by searching 23/00623/FUL on Rochdale Council’s planning portal.
