The restoration of Rochdale Town Hall has received four major honours at the RIBA North West Awards 2026.
At the RIBA North West Awards held in Manchester on 6 May, Rochdale Town Hall received the RIBA North West Award 2026, RIBA North West Project Architect of the Year 2026, RIBA North West Client of the Year 2026 and the RIBA North West Conservation Award 2026.
The restoration project has also been recognised across the heritage, planning and construction sectors.
Additional honours include the RICS Awards 2025 Best Heritage Project in the UK award, where the project was recognised ahead of landmarks including Big Ben and the V&A.
The project also secured recognition at the Civic Trust Awards 2026, including the Michael Middleton Special Award for Excellence in Conservation and a Civic Trust Conservation Award.
Further awards include the Association for Project Management Awards 2025 Social Project of the Year award and a North West commendation for Heritage and Culture at the RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence 2025.
The project was also recognised with a European Heritage Award and Europa Nostra Award 2026, placing the town hall among leading conservation and adaptive reuse projects in Europe.
The restoration forms part of Rochdale’s wider town centre regeneration plans and has seen the Grade I listed building reopened as a civic, cultural and community space.
The £20 million programme was project managed by Rochdale Development Agency
on behalf of Rochdale Borough Council.
Mark Robinson, director of economy at Rochdale Borough 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.”
He added “These awards show that Rochdale can deliver projects of national and international significance, and they reinforce the Town Hall’s role as a symbol of confidence, pride and opportunity for the borough.”
Council leaders say the restoration has helped reconnect the historic building with the public while supporting tourism, skills development, business activity and cultural events in the town centre
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