Steel frame marks major milestone in Heywood Civic Centre redevelopment

Friday, 23 May 2025 18:45

By David Murphy

Transformation of Heywood's popular venue and square enters new phase with new café and bar area taking shape

The regeneration of Heywood Civic Centre has reached a visible milestone, as the steel frame for a major extension has now been erected. The frame outlines what will become a new café and bar space, part of a wider multi-million pound investment to revitalise both the centre and surrounding Peine Square.

The project, funded by Rochdale Borough Council and Arts Council England, aims to breathe new life into the heart of Heywood, improving both indoor and outdoor facilities for cultural and community use.

In an update shared this week, the council said: “It’s great to see the steels go up outside Heywood Civic Centre, as the refurb of this special place continues. The extension will support the creation of a new cafe and bar area, as part of the wider scheme.”

Upgrades inside the centre will include improvements to the performance space, new retractable seating, and enhanced accessibility features. The exterior will also benefit, with the surrounding square set to feature landscaped gardens, paths and new seating areas designed to make the space more inviting for visitors and suitable for outdoor events.

Work began before Christmas and is expected to finish by the end of 2025. The newly refurbished centre is scheduled to reopen in spring 2026.

The project is part of Rochdale Council’s wider Heywood Town Centre Masterplan, which aims to improve public spaces, attract more visitors and strengthen transport links between Heywood and Manchester city centre.