Todmorden Pavilion and Bandstand

The Todmorden pavilion replaces an outdated facility with a flexible, low‑carbon community building serving bowling teams and the wider park. Designed within strict conservation and flood‑risk constraints, the pavilion sits modestly in the landscape, responding sensitively to the adjacent Grade II listed Fielden Hall.

Reused stone, charred timber and traditional construction minimise environmental impact and maintenance. Generous eaves and a glazed corner connect inside and out, while inclusive design ensures accessibility for all, securing the pavilion’s long‑term community value. Delivered alongside the restoration of the park’s Edwardian bandstand, the project strengthens Centre Vale Park as a civic destination. The pavilion provides a resilient, income‑generating asset that supports year‑round use and future generations.

The vision for the Todmorden pavilion is for a fully inclusive community facility that serves multiple user groups, from the Bowling Club and Todmorden in Bloom to local veterans and the Friends of Centre Vale Park, whilst responding sensitively to the Conservation Area and the existing Edwardian pavilion's character. The proposal is derived from a thorough understanding of the building, its parkland setting and its people, transforming a structure at the end of its serviceable life into a flexible, energy-efficient pavilion that generates income, improves accessibility for all and secures the long-term viability of this valued community asset for future generations.

Natural materials are chosen with low embedded carbon. Nearly all stone from the existing pavilion was reused in the new building, creating a feature wall and plinth. Charred timber cladding was used to withstand the harsh, wet climate of the Calder Valley. Traditional construction simplifies the build and minimises maintenance across the lifetime of the building structure.

The existing pavilion's cramped layout and poor level access excluded many potential users from the building. The replacement building prioritises physical accessibility throughout, incorporating a level threshold entrance, access ramp, audio induction loop and accessible WC facilities. Smaller design details throughout the building seek to improve the user experience for all users, such as the servery hatch which incorporates a low shelf for wheelchair users. Internally, the use of colour provides visual contrast and delineates spaces.

Buttress delivered a detailed condition survey of Todmorden bandstand, undertaken by Courtnay Ives and Christopher Nils Shaw. The assessment comprised visual inspections only; no intrusive investigations or opening‑up works were carried out. Originally constructed in 1914, the bandstand sits within the Todmorden Conservation Area at Centre Vale Park. It is distinguished by its rare theatre‑style form, a notable departure from the more common round or octagonal bandstands that make up the majority of the 1,500 examples installed in public spaces across the UK.

This exceptional architectural character is recognised through its Grade II listing, awarded in December 2019. Todmorden Bandstand is one of only 15 known examples built in this style and is understood to be the sole surviving structure of its kind. Buttress was appointed to support the sensitive renovation of the Grade II listed Edwardian bandstand, with a focus on improving security, resilience and functionality while safeguarding its historic significance.

The works form part of the wider Centre Vale Park improvement programme, a key element of the £17.5m Todmorden Town Deal investment. Funded by the UK government, the programme aims to boost the local economy and create lasting benefits for health, wellbeing, leisure and enjoyment for residents and businesses. Located approximately 200 metres from the bandstand, the bowling pavilion also sits within a valued conservation area and forms an important part of the park’s wider regeneration.