Heywood Civic, the historic venue in Rochdale, is poised to reopen its doors this February after undergoing a substantial multi-million pound redevelopment. This marks a significant new chapter for the site, transforming it into a dynamic, multi-purpose cultural and community hub that promises to enrich the local area.
A Major Investment in Culture and Community
The ambitious transformation has been made possible through funding from Arts Council England, Rochdale Borough Council, and Your Trust Rochdale. This investment has resulted in a thoroughly modernised and accessible space, meticulously designed to accommodate a full and varied programme of live performances alongside a wide range of community-led activities.
Celebrating with a Diverse Launch Season
The reopening will be heralded by an exciting and diverse launch season, featuring an array of events to suit all tastes. The programme includes comedy, theatre, music, and numerous family-friendly offerings.
Key highlights for the initial weeks include:
- Meet The Hatter on February 20-21.
- Comedian Ed Patrick’s Catch Your Breath on February 27.
- The high-energy interactive singalong show, MASSAOKE: 80s v 90s Live, on February 28.
A complimentary Family Fun Day is scheduled for March 1, followed by further cultural events such as Bach Reimagined on March 5 and Inspire Young Producers on March 7, which will showcase promising emerging talent from the local area. The calendar remains packed throughout March and April with additional events encompassing puppetry, inspirational theatre, and Celtic-themed celebrations.
Enhanced Facilities and Accessibility
Beyond the events programme, the redevelopment has introduced a brand-new bar and kitchen housed within a striking glass-fronted extension, creating a welcoming social space for visitors to gather and relax.
Significant improvements have also been made to the auditorium and backstage facilities, with a strong emphasis on enhancing accessibility throughout the building. Key upgrades include the installation of lifts to provide access to the first floor and stage level, accessible toilets on both floors, and a dedicated changing places facility. These improvements ensure the venue is genuinely inclusive and can be enjoyed by everyone in the community.
A New Creative Hub for Rochdale
Heywood Civic will also establish itself as the new permanent home for Cartwheel Arts and will function as a central hub for local artist development. This initiative aims to support creative programmes and nurture emerging talent across the borough, fostering a vibrant arts scene.
Estelle Rowe, chief executive at Your Trust, emphasised that the reopening represents far more than just the return of a building. She described it as the creation of a vital hub where communities can connect and experience creativity in meaningful and engaging ways.
"Our vision for Heywood Civic is to offer a fun, high-quality programme that is diverse, accessible, and affordable," Rowe stated. "We plan to deliver a rich mix of commercial shows, community events, and touring productions."
Looking Ahead: Daytime Programmes
In addition to the evening entertainment schedule, a daytime programme of health, wellbeing, and creative sessions tailored for both adults and young people will be announced in the near future. This further underscores the venue's commitment to serving as a comprehensive resource for the community.
