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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.

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