Rochdale Town Hall up for RIBA’s inaugural conservation award

The £20m restoration of the grade one-listed gem is up against three other projects across the country also vying for the prize.

The Royal Institute of British Architects has shortlisted Rochdale Town Hall for the Conversation Award 2026. The new award celebrates the best example of “historic buildings and places that have been creatively and sensitively restored to conserve them, manage change around them, enhance their sustainability or social accessibility” in a given year, according to RIBA.

Designed by Donald Insall Associates and carried out by H H Smith for the Rochdale Development Agency, the refurbishment of the 19th century building in the town centre was supported by an £8.9m grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The scheme involved cleaning and restoring much of the building’s structure, windows, and furniture, as well as 350 panels in the Great Hall ceiling. The roof was repaired, as were Minton floor tiles in the town hall’s exchange.

The town hall is grade one-listed. Credit: via Rochdale Council

Cllr Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities for Rochdale Council, said: “This incredible project, funded with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, has not only seen the meticulous restoration of a remarkable building, it has also given it back to the people of Rochdale and our many visitors through a full programme and events and activities which have made it more exciting and relevant than ever before.

“The town hall has welcomed tens of thousands of visitors since it reopened in March 2024 and brought this space to a whole new audience who have never experienced it before,” she said. “I’m delighted that this has been recognised on the national stage once again and that it’s rightly being recognised among the most prestigious heritage projects in the country.”

Mark Robinson, director of economy, Rochdale Council, said: “This exceptional level of recognition is a powerful endorsement of Rochdale’s ambition and belief in the long-term value of regeneration led by heritage, culture and quality.

“Managing the restoration of Rochdale Town Hall on behalf of the council was a complex and demanding task, but one driven by a clear vision to return this extraordinary building to the people of Rochdale and use it as a catalyst for wider renewal.”

The other three shortlisted projects are:

• Pembroke, Mill Lane by Haworth Tompkins

• SPID Theatre, Kensal House Community Rooms by Studio Sam Causer

• The Buttermarket, by Architectural Thread

Liz Smith, jury chair and chairperson at Purcell Architecture, said: “The inaugural Conservation Award recognises exceptional projects that highlight the creativity, skill, and stewardship to protect a heritage building’s past, while ensuring its continued relevance and impact for current and future generations.

“This shortlist represents the great breadth and depth of heritage conservation work led by architects, from detailed conservation repair of fine historic interiors to 20th century buildings, alongside thoughtful adaptation of historic buildings and spaces cherishing heritage to create inspiring and joyful new places.”