Rochdale’s Champness Hall saved from ruin and ready to turn 100

Friday, 13 June 2025 22:22

By David Murphy

Once set for demolition, the century old Champness Hall is now back in action and preparing to mark its milestone birthday in style.

Champness Hall in Rochdale has had many lives. Built in 1925 as a Methodist community hub, the building once faced dereliction and a demolition order. But today, it’s buzzing again, with boxing nights, charity events, and even ghost hunts breathing new life into its historic walls.

The credit for the comeback goes to a small local team, including former prison officer Steve, who was gifted the crumbling building and has been leading its revival since 2014. Along with co-manager Ally and a team of trustees, Champness Hall is now a registered charity offering space for local organisations, community groups and events.

The building’s centrepiece is the grand hall, still retaining some of its original 100 year old seating. But it also houses a series of smaller rooms, like the Lady Grace room, now used for meetings, conferences, and classes like Zumba.

Champness Hall is now home to several churches, including African and Portuguese congregations, and charities like Soul Sisters and High Level supporting vulnerable communities. The aim, say its managers, is to be a cornerstone for Rochdale’s community life again, not just on weekends, but every day.

In September 2025, the building celebrates its 100th birthday, and a string of events are planned:

A multi-faith event marking its Methodist roots
A recovery-themed event focused on substance misuse
A variety show to thank the charities and volunteers helping to run the space

They’re even hoping to welcome back the great-grandson of the hall’s founder, a Methodist preacher whose legacy still shapes the space.

Refurbishment has been steady. After years with no heating, new eco-systems were installed thanks to £156,000 in funding. Security has been tightened, air conditioning added, and new plans are in motion to attract even more local use.

The space is available for organisations to hire and the capacity varies depending on setup, from around 200 cabaret-style to 450 theatre-style. The space is used for comedy nights, tribute shows, and has even had ghost hunts through the group "Junior Paranormal Events".

“We just want people to know we’re here and we’re open,” Ally, one of the managers told Roch Valley Radio. “It’s about getting the community back in.”