By C. J. De Mel, Jadetimes News
Touchstones Rochdale is a historic Grade II listed venue dating back to 1884. Redevelopment work is in full flow on site to create a new creative and cultural hub with brand new flexible performance and studio spaces, meeting rooms, and bettered galleries. Manchester-based HH Smith and Sons Ltd started work on the project last month with improved accessibility and sustainability in mind.
Speaking on behalf of the North West director of Arts Council England, Jen Cleary said the future venue would be "a dynamic creative hub for the town." While the renovation will bring together the new dining room under the name "The Dining Room," the concept will mix a food theme with the borough's collections. It will be a space co-produced with Rochdale's diverse communities and three artists, worked with 20 community curators to produce the new museum and dining space that is hoped to open in 2025.
Cleary was hopeful that the venue would become a key civic asset within an emerging creative district in Rochdale, providing increased opportunities for artists and drawing new audiences into exciting cultural activities. "This is an absolutely crucial milestone in realizing this project," commented Rochdale Borough Council's cabinet member for communities and co-operation, Councillor Sue Smith. The regeneration is being funded by the Cultural Development Fund, run by Arts Council England, and Rochdale Borough Council, in conjunction with an £8.5 million investment in arts and culture across the borough. Untagged: What is more, Touchstones Rochdale this year became, for the first time, one of the national portfolio organisations of Arts Council England.
