Touchstones redevelopment hit by major delays

Thursday, 3 July 2025 19:43

By George Lythgoe

Picture of how Touchstones in Rochdale looks currently

A major regeneration project of the Touchstones gallery in Rochdale has been hit by a huge delay.

The town’s iconic arts and heritage venue is currently undergoing major redevelopment of both the interior and exterior of the building. But additional repairs to its roof are needed, meaning it is now estimated to reopen in Spring 2027 – rather than 2025 as originally planned.

Work on site started last year to transform Touchstones into a creative and cultural hub with new flexible performance and studio spaces, meeting rooms, education facilities and improved galleries.

According to Rochdale Borough Council, it soon became clear that the condition of the building’s roof was much worse than previously thought and additional work was needed to safeguard its future.

The roof of the Grade-II listed building will be re-slated together with upgrading of the insulation; renewal of flashings and soakers; improvements to the guttering; new lightning protection; and replacement of dormer windows.

The full project also includes creating a new dining space combining the theme of food with the borough’s collections.

Coun Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council said: “Touchstones is one of the borough’s key historic assets which we have a duty to protect, so in light of the roof repairs required we moved quickly to secure the future of this building and avoid further deterioration.

“Inevitably this additional work will impact the completion date of the project, but we expect to be able to re-open it to the public in spring 2027 with a fantastic programme of events and activities.

“Touchstones is being transformed into something fit for the 21st century, creating more opportunities for local people and visitors to enjoy the culture and the history of our borough in a modern public space.”

The council has already secured planning permission for the additional work required. The project is funded by the Cultural Development Fund (a DCMS fund administered by Arts Council England) and Rochdale Borough Council as part of an £8.5 million investment into arts and culture across the borough.

Touchstones also became one of Arts Council England’s ‘National Portfolio Organisations’ for the first time in 2023.