Sit back and enjoy the view: new outdoor gallery on Rochdale Town Hall Square

Six eye-catching exhibition stands complete with built-in seating have popped up outside the newly refurbished Grade I listed Town Hall, forming the brand-new Square Gallery. It’s a space to sit back, soak in the scenery, and enjoy rotating exhibitions that will showcase work from local artists, community groups, and arts organisations every few months.

To kick things off, the first exhibition celebrates Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture. It gives a taste of what’s still to come, highlighting some of the standout moments so far, and features poetry from the town’s Poet Laureate Sammy Weaver, a photo backdrop for social sharing, and a cultural map of Rochdale.

The Square Gallery builds on the buzz created by the Town of Culture Outdoor Gallery on Drake Street, launched in May, which features vibrant work from 30 local creatives, from photography and poetry to digital and traditional art. It also joins a growing list of events that have brought the square to life recently, including the Feel Good Family Picnic, Merhaba Halal Food Festival, the Side-by-Side Festival, and the Flight of Fancy Parade.

Looking ahead, the Square Gallery will host a special exhibition in March 2026 led by the Rochdale Youth Arts Festival, co-produced with young people from across the borough. The gallery’s programme is curated by Rochdale Creates, the borough-wide cultural compact bringing together arts organisations from across the borough.

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council, said:
"This Square Gallery is a fantastic addition to our stunning town hall square and with thousands of residents and visitors walking past each week it brings art into the heart of the community, making it accessible and part of everyday life. With seating included it’s got a really practical use too and I encourage residents who would like to see their work featured to get in touch".

The gallery is part of a host of wider improvements to the square, including new paving, lighting, landscaping and signage - all designed to enhance the visitor experience. It’s supported by Rochdale’s Cultural Development Fund 2 project, funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and administered by Arts Council England. The project is managed by Rochdale Development Agency on behalf of Rochdale Borough Council.

Interested in exhibiting?
📧 Email admin@rochdalecreates.co.uk - just note that you'll need to cover printing and installation costs!

The Square Gallery is just one part of a packed programme of festivals, performances, exhibitions and art happening during Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025–26.

🎉 Learn more: rochdale.gov.uk/TownOfCulture and rochdalecreates.co.uk