Rochdale's Curtain Theatre set for makeover

Tuesday, 20 January 2026 12:54

By George Lythgoe

A 1920s Rochdale theatre could get a makeover as part of a huge regeneration project.

The tired looking Curtain Theatre is set for a revamp. Plans include a new design for the building’s façade.

The 180-seat theatre’s transformation is inspired by its signature red colour. New signs and lighting form part of a wider multi-million-pound investment in the area, to be delivered by the Rochdale Development Agency.

The massive scheme includes a new station square and new homes at the former central retail park site, as well as apartments on the corner of Station Road and Maclure Road.

Proposals to transform Rochdale station’s entrance, linked to the scheme, were lodged with the council’s planning team at the end of last year. The latest investment into the theatre building aims to encourage new audiences and improve the appearance of Milkstone Road.

The busy area is already benefitting from a series of other activities celebrating the people, businesses and identity around Milkstone Road. The work is part of the ‘Made in Milkstone’ programme announced last year, supported by the local authority’s Community Regeneration Partnership funding.

Coun Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “I’m pleased to see this progress, helping improve Milkstone Road and putting culture at the heart of regeneration. The work will be in keeping with the theatre and its history, playing on the idea of lifting the curtain through careful use of the theatre’s signature red.

“The design also incorporates new signage and better opportunities to promote their fantastic shows to new audiences. We want to ensure the benefits of investments to Rochdale Station Square extend to the wider neighbourhood too, so it’s a great time to improve another one of our much-loved cultural venues.”

Danny Groves, business director from the Curtain Theatre, added: “Having a façade like this on the outside, will send a really strong message to people in the town that this is a special place and we’re very keen to welcome new visitors. There’s great energy inside the theatre too and we’re looking forward to the work commencing.”

As part of Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture, the programme is seeing a range of cultural activities being rolled out in the community, alongside major investment at Heywood Civic, and Touchstones.