Rochdale’s Grade I-listed town hall will open its doors to the public this weekend following a four-year restoration project.
More than 500 volunteers helped a team of specialists to restore the building. The £20m project was partly funded by £8.9m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The building’s historic Magna Carta mural, stained glass and Great Hall ceiling panels have all been restored, and rooms formerly used by councillors and officers are now available for community use, including a new exhibition based on Rochdale’s history.
Rochdale Borough Council leader Neil Emmott said: ‘It’s been a long wait for our residents and I’m delighted that they will finally get to see their beautiful town hall, fully restored in all its glory.’
Cabinet member Janet Emsley said the reopening on 3 March will be a 'wonderful celebration' but is 'just the beginning' for the newly restored town hall.
She said: ‘Our new offer means that residents will be able to see it and enjoy it seven days a week. We will soon be offering guided tours, alongside a full activity, events and education programme, which will be revealed soon.’
