Touchstones is the Borough’s main Arts Culture and Heritage venue, occupying a Grade 2 listed building.

Located within the Rochdale Town Centre Conservation Area and on the edge of the Heritage Action Zone. The council and its stakeholder were successful in securing Arts Council funding after it was decided that Touchstones should be developed to create a flagship multi-disciplinary cultural hub. 

Hive were originally commissioned to review the programme and assemble the project consultant team and provide commercial assurance of forecast budgets. We are now leading the Project Team in our role as Project Managers through the design stages and we will be commencing refurbishment works at the end of 2023.  We are also supporting the client and its stakeholder in further funding drives for elements of the project outside the Arts Council scope of works. The design includes educational spaces, workshop areas, performance space and a unique exhibition led dining offer the Civic Dining Room. Also included in the project is co working spaces and external landscaping to include a teaching garden.