Lifting the curtain: Rochdale theatre set for dramatic new look

Rochdale’s Curtain Theatre is set to receive a striking new exterior, following the unveiling of plans to improve the building’s façade.

The historic 180-seat theatre, which was established in 1925 and has just celebrated its centenary, will benefit from a re-painted façade inspired by the theatre’s signature red, alongside new signage and exterior lighting. The improvements aim to enhance the building’s appearance and visibility and form part of wider investment in the area delivered by Rochdale Development Agency.

As well as giving the theatre a more prominent and theatrical presence, the investment is intended to encourage new audiences and improve the overall appearance of Milkstone Road.

Designs showing how the theatre will look once the work is complete have been produced by architects 'IF_DO'. The practice has worked closely with the theatre’s volunteer team through a series of engagement workshops, developing designs that celebrate the building’s rich theatrical history while also looking to its future.

The busy area close to Rochdale town centre is already seeing a series of other improvements and activities delivered by Rochdale Development Agency and Culture Co-op. These initiatives aim to celebrate the people, businesses and identity around Milkstone Road and form 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, welcomed the progress. She 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, also 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’, highlighted the collaborative approach behind the design. She 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.”

The improvements to the Curtain Theatre also sit within Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture, which is seeing a wide range of cultural activities taking place in communities across the borough, alongside major investment at Heywood Civic and Touchstones.

Improvements to the Curtain Theatre as part of ‘Made in Milkstone’ are funded through Rochdale Borough Council’s Community Regeneration Partnership package from the UK Government, alongside council funding.

Rochdale Development Agency plays a central role in driving regeneration and cultural investment across the borough. The Curtain Theatre improvements are an example of that work in action. Through the ‘Made in Milkstone’ programme, the agency is coordinating enhancements that strengthen local identity, support community-led venues and uplift neighbourhoods. Its involvement in the theatre’s façade transformation, alongside wider public realm improvements and cultural activity, demonstrates how place-based investment is being used to boost visibility for grassroots cultural organisations, attract new audiences and ensure regeneration around Rochdale Station Square benefits the surrounding community.

You can find out more about the Curtain Theatre and its latest productions at www.curtaintheatrerochdale.uk.