Transforming a community landmark into a modern cultural hub

Client: Rochdale Borough Council

Conlon Construction delivered the extensive refurbishment and extension of Heywood Civic Centre, creating a revitalised cultural destination designed to support community engagement, events and creative activity for years to come. The project transformed a well-used 1960s venue into a modern, flexible and sustainable community asset at the heart of Heywood.

The Challenge

Rochdale Borough Council sought to modernise the existing civic centre and establish a vibrant cultural hub capable of supporting a diverse programme of theatre, music, performance, community activities and events. The building required significant investment to improve both functionality and visitor experience while creating a stronger connection to the surrounding public realm.

Our Solution

Conlon delivered a comprehensive refurbishment programme, including:

• Full refurbishment of the auditorium and performance spaces
• Upgrades to back-of-house facilities
• Refreshed community and meeting spaces
• Construction of a new 160m² front-of-house extension
• New café and bar facilities
• Improved visitor arrival and reception areas
• Integration with a wider public realm improvement scheme
• New performance space and outdoor seating areas
• Landscaping, street furniture and interactive public features

The Outcome

The completed Heywood Civic Centre provides a modern cultural destination that supports community activity, creativity and town centre regeneration. By combining upgraded internal facilities with an enhanced public realm, the project has created a welcoming venue capable of serving local residents for generations to come.

Our Social Value Impact

• 72% local labour, with the project workforce sourced from within 30 miles of the site. 
• £3.05m spent with local suppliers, exceeding our £2.5m commitment and representing 83% of project spend. 
• 20 apprenticeship weeks delivered through our supply chain across electrical and mechanical trades. 
• Two T Level training weeks delivered through a student placement on the project. 
• 10 local artists commissioned, with their work showcased through bespoke site hoardings. 
• £8,500 invested in local artists and community artwork initiatives. 
• Supported Sandon House Community Centre by constructing a new shed base and coordinating additional supply chain support for its installation.