Tour of Touchstones

Touchstones is a museum, gallery & arts centre located in a stunning Grade II building in Rochdale town centre.
After closing the building to the public in September 2023, the capital redevelopment project is now around halfway through. Lots of changes have been made to the building already, and the entire ground floor area will be reimagined as an exciting, dynamic and welcoming space when we reopen in 2027. With new creative studios, learning spaces, a performance area, dining area and more of our wonderful art gallery, museum and local studies collections on display around the building, the first floor will see a complete refresh of our gallery spaces. And the entire building will have an entirely new roof.

Explore how the building is being transformed with a tour led by the architectural practice (Architectural Emporium), the building Contractors (HH Smith) and staff who have worked closely on the project. Learn more about the conservation methods used to restore the heritage of the building and find out what the different spaces will become when we reopen. You will also get the chance to view archival material from our local studies collection that show the original building, created as a library in 1884 and then extended in 1903 and again in 1913.

Timings & Tours

Friday 19 September:

1100 & 1230

Location & directions

Toushstones, The Esplanade, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, OL16 5NQ

Directions:

Please note that the venue is considered a building site so its NOT fully accessible. The venue has high steps, uneven ground and different surfaces throughout and no lift. Visitors will be expected to wear a hard hat and high vis jacket (these will be provided) and suitable shoes (not provided) for the visit. There are no toilets to use on site.

Contact on day:

Sarah Hodgkinson

Telephone number:

+441706641085

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Tours will take place on Friday 19th September. There are 2 slots available. 1100 and 1230. Each tour will last one hour and booking is essential as the places are limited to 10 per slot. Please meet outside the building, next to the underpass on The Esplanade 10 mins before the event is due to take place.

Booking contact name:

Sarah Hodgkinson

Booking telephone number:

+441706641085

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://www.yourtrustrochdale.co.uk/whats-on/events/heritage-open-days-touchstones-rochdale/

Booking opens:

08 Aug 2025 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

18 Sep 2025 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

Please note that the venue is considered a building site so its NOT fully accessible. The venue has high steps, uneven ground and different surfaces throughout and no lift. Visitors will be expected to wear a hard hat and high vis jacket (these will be provided) and suitable shoes (not provided) for the visit. There are no toilets to use on site.

Additional information

Max no of people per tour:

10

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s)

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