Digital Journalist Rochdale is undergoing a significant cultural transformation at the moment. The famous old town hall has recently reopened after a refurbishment, and it’s landmark theatre the Heywood Civic is the subject of redevelopment. On top of this, Touchstones Gallery and Museum is also getting a significant makeover.
This refurbishment work is to help develop the venue into a vibrant part of the borough’s cultural district, and is being made possible by funding both external and internal. Advertisement Advertisement Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to ManchesterWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you. There is a lot going on at Touchstones, and to explain just what is in store and to outline the importance of the redevelopment, Director of Arts, Heritage and Wellness at the venue Mark Bolton told all to ManchesterWorld.
Mark is Director of YourTrust, which is a Rochdale Boroughwide cultural trust which oversees this kind of work in the area. Mark sits on the senior leadership team for the charity, but his specific responsibility is the arts and heritage service. This includes Touchstones.
Mark said: “It’s a major renovation of the entire building, which is Grade II listed. The last time it had any real refurbishment was the early noughties. I’ve been here eight years and when I joined in 2016 some of the spaces were becoming a bit tired, still well loved and well used but needed a refresh.
“A plan developed to see.