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Town Centre sculpture brings back Technical School memories

Posted on 21/07/2010

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Take a walk up the cobbles of Nelson Street in Rochdale town centre and fond memories of Rochdale Technical School will come racing back – as a new sculpture now stands made from the original distinctive terracotta tiles that once adorned the front of the now demolished building.

Rochdale Township’s Action and Resources Committee granted funds in September 2009 towards the relocation of the tiles from Link4Life managed Touchstones – where they had been stored since the school was pulled down in the mid 1990s.

The college was built in 1892 and closed its doors in 1989.

Funding of £3,000 was provided by the committee for the project to support a number of town centre priorities, including its contribution to the town centre regeneration programme and provide a focus for heritage, local history and education, and raise the quality of town centre green spaces for all to enjoy.

Andrew Moore, collections manager at Touchstones, explained how the idea to bring them out of the museum and back into Rochdale town centre came about.

He said: “After various discussions, we worked with the Broadfield Park warden and came up with the idea of displaying the panels as a heritage feature on the original site of the school. We’re certain it’ll bring back lots of fond memories for many Rochdalians, and younger people can get an idea of what once stood in their town centre and where previous generations once studied.”

The tiles are so big and heavy that when they were stored in Touchstones they couldn’t be displayed within the public exhibition area, meaning they were rarely seen by the general public – until now.

Councillor Mohammed Sharif, chair of Rochdale Township’s Action and Resources Committee, added: “Rochdale’s heritage is one of its key assets, so to bring these tiles out from hiding and into the town centre for the public to see and learn about the building that once stood there is something to be celebrated and be proud of.”

For details about other projects commissioned by Rochdale Township’s Action and Resources Committee go to www.rochdale.gov.uk/townships or call 01706 924351.

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