Hopwood Hall College will get huge revamp

Monday, 3 November 2025 12:15

By George Lythgoe

CGI of how the new Hopwood Hall College building in Rochdale

Hopwood Hall College will get a massive campus overhaul now plans for a new teaching block have been approved.

The new block on the college’s Rochdale campus will be four-storeys high and accommodate between 800-900 students and staff. The building overlooking St Marys Gate will provide new classrooms, studios, laboratories, workshops, catering school and other teaching facilities alongside a lecture hall, staff facilities and new main college entrance.

It would cater for a range of subjects for 16-19 year olds such as art & design, catering, T-Levels, film design and provision of Higher Education teaching facilities.

Once work on the new ‘highly energy efficient building’ is complete, the process to demolish the existing Block B will start. This will include bulldozing an outbuilding (“Block C”) and remodelling of the link building between current Blocks A and B.

Once the demolition is complete the area will be landscaped over for the use of students. According to planning papers, this area may be redeveloped for a replacement building to Block A in the future, but that is not connected to this project or currently funded for delivery.

Planning papers read: “Hopwood Hall College has a vision to be a 21st Century college with a strong presence in Rochdale town centre; to develop its higher education provision and learning spaces; and develop its curriculum including new T-Levels.

“Through the new building it aspires to deliver industry-standard designed spaces for the highest level of education and an inclusive environment to support all learners and all styles of learning.”

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Driver admits killing 68-year-old woman in Rochdale during car rampage

A man who drove into several people, killing a woman in Rochdale, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and six attempted murders
Market Street in Bury reopens following £500,000 bridge repairs

A key route into Bury town centre has reopened after a five-month closure for critical bridge works
Six-storey block of 40 flats planned at prime town centre site

Plans for a block of 40 flats at a town centre site have been submitted.
Divine intervention sought as developer eyes former convent for 10-flat conversion

Developers have applied to turn a former religious home in Middleton into a block of ten apartments, bringing an end to its sacred past.
Recycled cremation metals fund £10,000 boost for Rochdale’s Jolly Josh charity

A local children’s charity has been awarded £10,000 thanks to a unique metal recycling scheme supported by Rochdale Council.
Free Santa’s grotto returns to The Rock with festive magic and charity cheer

Families in Bury invited to enjoy a free festive experience with Santa, chocolate treats and a land train this Christmas
Spanish grandson retraces his grandfather’s 1936 footsteps in Rochdale

An emotional visit from Barcelona reveals how Rochdale’s Hotel Wellington became a wartime refuge for one Spanish worker, and sparked a family’s lifelong connection to the town
Bury GP practice urges action as women call menopause symptoms ‘complete torture’

A GP practice in Bury is calling on the government to extend menopause support across all age groups, after helping hundreds of women describe their symptoms as “brutal”, “life-changing”, and even “marriage-destroying”.
Elderly woman targeted in doorstep burglary by 'clown' on Birch Road

An elderly resident living in a Birch Road bungalow was left shaken after a burglar dressed as a clown tricked their way into her home before stealing her purse.
‘Devastated’ family pay tribute as police investigate death of Bacup man Luke Harden

A murder investigation is under way after the death of 36-year-old Luke Harden in the early hours of Saturday morning in Bacup. His family say they are “devastated” and described him as a loving son, brother, and friend.
Estate worried about what’s next for ‘Rochdale’s Chernobyl’

Tearing down trees next to ‘Rochdale’s Chernobyl’ sparked fear back in 2004. Over two decades later, the same fear remains.
Rochdale grooming gang member Adil Khan vanishes during deportation process

A convicted child sex offender from the notorious Rochdale grooming gang has absconded from the UK, Greater Manchester Police has confirmed.