EXCLUSIVE first look inside the transformed Heywood Civic

Roch Valley Radio has been given an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Heywood Civic Centre ahead of the official launch, offering the first look at a landmark redevelopment that will see the venue reopen as a fully accessible cultural and community hub.

Meeting with Estelle Rowe, Chief Executive of Your Trust Rochdale, we were shown how the multi-million-pound refurbishment has carefully balanced restoration with modernisation.

The moment you step into the auditorium, the building’s history is still clear. Original brickwork remains visible, retaining the character many local performers and audiences will remember.

That historic fabric now sits alongside new wood panelling, updated seating, and a fully modernised technical setup, with new retractable seating on each level to make each space adaptable. 

Lighting and sound systems have been replaced with state-of-the-art equipment, and new projection capabilities have been added.

The improvements mean the Civic can now accommodate a broader range of professional productions, community shows and live events.

Backstage has seen some of the most noticeable changes. Regular performers will recall the large dressing room on stage left and the limited space on stage right.

The former kitchen area has now been converted into a new dressing room, while the original stage left room has been upgraded to what feels a more spacious dressing room to include a toilet and shower, creating practical and professional facilities for performers.

Accessibility has been embedded into every level of the building. Lifts now serve each floor, ensuring step-free access throughout.

The venue includes accessible toilets, changing facilities and a multi-use Quiet Room designed to support visitors who may need a calm and adaptable environment.

The aim is clear. The building is intended to be usable for any occasion and welcoming to everyone.

The redevelopment has been supported by Arts Council England, Rochdale Borough Council and Your Trust Rochdale, the independent charitable trust that operates leisure and cultural facilities across the borough. Estelle Rowe explained that while the trust works in partnership with the council, it operates as an independent entity.

The upkeep and long-term sustainability of buildings such as the Civic are funded through the trust’s income, not council budgets.

“This is about creating a hub where communities can come together to work, connect and experience creativity in meaningful ways,” she said.

The Civic will also become the permanent home of Cartwheel Arts, which has relocated to a newly created office space in the former upstairs rear bar area.

The move forms part of a wider ambition to nurture local artistic talent through producer programmes and support for emerging creatives.

A modern bar and kitchen now form part of the visitor experience in the brand-new visitor foyer.

During the day, it is a cafe serving hot food and drinks; in the evening, it becomes the bar area for theatregoers, complementing improvements across the auditorium and public areas.

The building has been designed not only as a theatre, but as a flexible venue capable of hosting performances, community events, private functions and creative activity throughout the week.

As part of the redevelopment, a new outdoor performance space has been created in Peine Square at the front of the Civic. The area includes built-in power supplies to support lighting and sound, allowing performances and community events to take place outside the venue.

The relaunch programme begins this February with a broad mix of entertainment and community events. Highlights include Meet The Hatter on 20 and 21 February, Ed Patrick Catch Your Breath on 27 February, MASSAOKE 80s v 90s Live on 28 February, a free Family Fun Day on 1 March, Bach Reimagined on 5 March and Inspire Young Producers on 7 March.

Further programming across March and April will feature puppetry, theatre and Celtic-inspired celebrations.

The Christmas pantomime, which has been staged at Heywood Leisure Centre in recent years, will return to the Civic this December... oh yes it is!

Alongside the reopening, a fundraising campaign titled Heywood Civic Helping Families Thrive has launched with a target of £12,500.

The funds will support a new programme of wellbeing and creative activity for children, young people and families, including sessions for expectant parents, early years music and movement, street dance, music production workshops and youth theatre.

The programme aims to deliver more than 400 activities over the next year.

For many shows, audiences can choose from three pricing options for the same seat. A standard price, a lower price for those who need it and a higher price for those who wish to support the venue’s charitable work.

Supporters who donate £200 or more to the fundraising campaign will be offered the opportunity to name a seat in the new auditorium.

A daytime wellbeing and creative programme for adults and young people is expected to be announced shortly. Full listings and ticket information are available at https://www.heywoodcivic.co.uk