Roof restoration approved for historic Rochdale Touchstones building

Friday, 15 August 2025 18:30

By David Murphy

Plans to replace the historic roof of Rochdale’s Grade II listed Touchstones Arts and Heritage Centre have been given the go-ahead, marking the next step in a multi-million pound renovation to transform the site into a major creative hub.

The works, approved by Rochdale Council, will see the Victorian building’s steeply pitched roofs re-slated, damaged leadwork replaced, insulation upgraded, and modern rooflights swapped for designs more in keeping with its original 1884 appearance.

Specialist heritage architects Donald Insall Associates said the building’s intricate roofscape, with its gables, fleche ventilators and varied pitches, is a defining feature of the landmark, reflecting Rochdale’s late 19th century civic pride and architectural ambition. They also highlighted the urgent need for repairs, warning that defective slates and flashings were allowing water to seep into the building.

The restoration will use Westmorland slate to match the existing materials, with plastic downpipes replaced by black-painted cast iron. Rooflights will be repositioned to their original bays to better match the historic layout and improve the look from The Esplanade.

Council conservation officers concluded the project would cause “neutral harm” to the building’s heritage value while securing its long-term future. The work is part of the wider Touchstones redevelopment, aimed at creating a modern arts, culture and community space while preserving one of Rochdale’s most recognisable landmarks.

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

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

Heywood takeaway lifts hygiene score from zero to four stars after inspection

A Heywood takeaway previously rated zero stars for food hygiene has now been awarded a ‘good’ four-star rating following a reinspection by Rochdale Council’s food safety team.
Crunch meeting to decide on 199-home development looms

A crunch meeting to decide the fate of a 199-home development will take place next week. The 12 hectare site between Smithy Bridge and Littleborough has long been earmarked for housing.
Inclusive rugby group at Rochdale Mayfield continues to grow with new players always welcome

A disability rugby group at Rochdale Mayfield RLFC is going from strength to strength since its launch in 2024, with new players encouraged to join its inclusive monthly sessions.
Roch Valley Radio awarded £20,000 National Lottery grant to boost community impact

We’re proud to announce that Roch Valley Radio has been awarded £20,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund.
Discount warehouse in Rochdale draws objections but set for approval

A discount warehouse operating without planning permission in Rochdale town centre is expected to be approved by councillors this week, despite receiving 13 public objections.
How each council ranked in dealing with potholes

They are the source of frustration for many motorists across Greater Manchester and it’s the job of our councils to fix them.
Vintage Worx shows how a grassroots group can lead real local change

Vintage Worx Community Development Trust is a community-led grass-root organisation based in Falinge Park Rochdale.
Tributes pour in for ‘deeply respected and passionate’ community football hero

Tributes are flooding in following the sudden death of ‘deeply respected and passionate’ community hero Dale Harris. The 31-year-old, well-known in the community for supporting youngsters into football and championing local sports, passed away at Royal Oldham Hospital on Monday, January 12
New offices near town centre could bring 250 jobs

Impressive CGIs have given a first glimpse at the scale of a new business centre in Bury that could bring 250 jobs and £8m to the local economy.
Empty pub once run by a celebrity chef will be transformed into a nursery

What was once a popular gastropub fronted by celebrity chef Andrew Nutter will be converted into a nursery. The Bird at Birtle was relaunched under the Nutter banner back in 2016 after a £1m makeover.
Flooding on M60 sparks morning traffic chaos in Heywood and Middleton

Commuters faced severe disruption this morning as flooding forced the closure of a key section of the M60, bringing widespread gridlock across Heywood and Middleton.
New emergency housing in town centre

A building in Bury’s hospitality district could soon be turned into emergency housing for families facing homelessness.