Rochdale’s Curtain Theatre will be getting a new look, after plans for improvements to the exterior of the building have been revealed.
The historic 180 seat theatre that has just celebrated its centenary, will soon benefit from a re-painted facade inspired by the theatre's signature red, along with new signage and exterior lighting to improve its appearance and visibility as part of wider investment in the area delivered by Rochdale Development Agency. As well as giving the theatre, which was established in 1925, a more prominent and theatrical appearance, the investment aims to encourage new audiences and improve the appearance of Milkstone Road.
Designs showing what the theatre will look like after work is complete have been produced by architects ‘IF_DO’, who have worked with the volunteer team at the theatre during a series of engagement workshops to develop designs that celebrate its rich theatrical history, while looking to its future.
‘Culture at the heart of regeneration’
The busy area, close to Rochdale town centre, is benefitting from a series of other improvements and activities, delivered by Rochdale Development Agency and Culture Co-op aimed at celebrating the people, businesses and identity around Milkstone Road. The work is part of the ‘Made in Milkstone’ programme announced last year, supported by Rochdale Borough Council’s Community Regeneration Partnership funding.
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council.
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council, said:
“I’m pleased to see this progress, helping improve Milkstone Road and putting culture at the heart of regeneration. The work will be in keeping with the theatre and its history, playing on the idea of lifting the curtain through careful use of the theatre's signature red. The design also incorporates new signage and better opportunities to promote their fantastic shows to new audiences. We want to ensure the benefits of investments to Rochdale Station Square extend to the wider neighbourhood too, so it’s a great time to improve another one of our much-loved cultural venues.”
Danny Groves, business director from the Curtain Theatre welcomed the support. He said:
“Having a façade like this on the outside, will send a really strong message to people in the town that this is a special place and we’re very keen to welcome new visitors. There’s great energy inside the theatre too and we’re looking forward to the work commencing.”
Sarah Castle, director of architects ‘IF_DO’, added:
"We’re delighted to be supporting the transformation of this much-loved community asset. It's been great to learn about the history of the theatre and the people who keep it running, working with the volunteer team to shape an exterior that better reflects the energy they bring to their productions. It’s been a joy to collaborate with such committed, creative people and to translate that energy into a bright new façade, bold signage and lighting that will give the theatre a more visible, welcoming presence on the street, helping to keep the theatre at the centre of local cultural life.”
As part of Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture, the programme is seeing a range of cultural activities being rolled out in the community, alongside major investment at Heywood Civic, and Touchstones.
- Find out more about the Curtain Theatre – including their latest productions
Improvements to the Curtain Theatre as part of ‘Made in Milkstone’ is funded as part of Rochdale Borough Council’s Community Regeneration Partnership package from the UK Government, alongside council funding.
Rochdale Development Agency a central role in driving regeneration and cultural investment across the borough and the improvements to the Curtain Theatre are an example of that work in action. Through the ‘Made in Milkstone’ programme, they are co-ordinating enhancements that strengthen local identity, support community‑led venues and uplifting neighbourhoods. Its involvement in the theatre’s façade transformation alongside wider public realm improvements and cultural activity is how the agency uses place-based investment to boost visibility for grassroots cultural organisations, attract new audiences and ensure regeneration around Rochdale Station Square benefits the surrounding community.