Striking images have been shared of Rochdale Town Hall's clock being repaired in time for Remembrance Day.
The clock in the stunning 57-metre Grade-I listed building, which has stood proudly since 1871 in the Rochdale town centre, is set to strike 11am in time for a Remembrance Day service this Sunday (November 10).
The town hall reopened to the public earlier this year following a multi-million pound restoration, which was funded by Rochdale Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The works, estimated to have cost around £20m, have taken four years to complete.
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Having fallen into a poor state of repair over the years, it was decided that a restoration of the Town Hall was necessary in order to preserve the building for future use. During the works, digital scans by archaeologists at Salford University found the historic building featured a number of forgotten rooms and features.
The original clock tower was destroyed in a fire in 1883, with a new tower completed in 1887. The newer building was designed by Alfred Waterhouse, who is also behind Manchester Town Hall and the Natural History Museum, and spans 190 feet tall - some 50 feet shorter than the original.
Construction on the repair of the tower was conducted by Smith of Derby clockmakers, who have been in the business for more than a century. Coun Neil Emmott, leader of Rochdale Council, recently said: “It’s been a long wait for our residents and I’m delighted that they will finally get to see their beautiful town hall, fully restored in all its glory.
“Not only will they see the town hall they know and love, looking as good as it would have when it first opened in 1871, but they will see brand new features, like the Welcome Gallery, which makes it an even better space than it was before. We can’t wait to welcome people back in.”
Regarded as one of Britain's finest examples of Victorian Gothic architecture, the hall now breathes new life. A stunning new restaurant, The Martlet Kitchen, led by the multi-award-winning chef Darren Parkinson, accompanies the iconic decorated panels and magna carta mural.
Local resident, Sam Rhodes, recalls how important this reveal is to the community and how the reveal is 'great timing'. Sam told the M.E.N: "To open on Remembrance Day, with the cenotaph opposite, it's a perfect time and setting."
Rochdale Town Hall's Remembrance Service on Sunday morning will feature prayers, readings, blessings and a rendition of the national anthem before the two-minute silence at 11am.
