Target Fire Protection Restores Rochdale Town Hall
15 August, 2024
Rochdale Town Hall, a significant landmark in the hometown of Target Fire Protection, recently underwent an extensive £8 million restoration project, reopening in March 2024. Designed by William Crossland and inaugurated in 1871, this Grade-I listed building is celebrated as one of the UK’s premier examples of Victorian Gothic architecture. The restoration aimed to remove the 1960s- and 1970s-style office units that had concealed the building’s original features, bringing its historic beauty back to life.
Given the building’s intricate architecture, traditional red fire extinguishers would have detracted from its aesthetic appeal. A fire safety solution was required that not only met regulatory standards but also complemented the building’s timeless beauty. Target Fire Protection teamed up with CheckFire, a prominent UK Fire Trade supplier, to select the Contempo Antique Copper range of fire extinguishers, stands, and appropriate fire safety signage. This choice ensured compliance with fire safety regulations while seamlessly blending with the building’s architectural elegance.
The project was executed in multiple phases to align with the restoration schedule. The first phase concentrated on the new entrance and the prestigious Mayor’s Chamber, noted for its appearance in the popular television series “Peaky Blinders.” The second phase addressed the grand hall and main staircase, which can accommodate up to 250 people and features a meticulously restored tapestry. The third phase, set for early 2025, will focus on the registry office and council spaces, transforming them into more accessible public areas.
Despite the complexities of the project, Target Fire Protection faced minimal challenges during the installation of the fire safety equipment. One significant obstacle was the prohibition against drilling into certain walls of the historic building. CheckFire quickly resolved this issue by providing fire extinguisher stands, ensuring the seamless integration of the copper fire extinguishers without compromising the structural integrity of the town hall. Target Fire Protection praised the efficiency of the product delivery process and the responsive customer service provided by CheckFire, ensuring the project’s smooth and timely completion.
Learn more about this project by reading our case study.