Todmorden bandstand
Works start this week on Todmorden’s Grade II listed bandstand and on the contemporary new bowling pavilion in Centre Vale Park as designed by Buttress Architects.
The works form part of the Centre Vale Park improvement projects that are a key element of the £17.5M Todmorden Town Deal investment programme in the town, funded by the UK government, to boost the local economy and bring better opportunities for health, wellbeing, leisure and enjoyment to residents and businesses.
Working in partnership are The Town Deal Board, Calderdale Council and the Community Ownership Fund, Todmorden Town Council, as sponsor for the Centre Vale Park projects and delivery partner for the demolition of the bowls pavilion and new build replacement. They have now reached a major milestone by appointing Rosslee Construction Ltd as contractors appointed on the bowling pavilion project and also to refurbish the bandstand.
Steve Kendall, senior architect, at Buttress said:
"It's been a real privilege to work on the restoration of both Todmorden bowling pavilion and Todmorden bandstand - two much-loved landmarks that hold deep significance for the town. The local support for the restorations has been vital in our work and it's been fantastic to see the community's passion for preserving local heritage."
Built in 1914, the Edwardian Bandstand is one of only five surviving open fronted ‘theatre’ style Bandstands. The restoration work has been made possible following a successful grant application for £250,000 made by Todmorden Town Council to the National Heritage Lottery Fund, made possible by National Lottery players, and monies from the Town Deal.
Todmorden bowling pavilion
The new bowling pavilion is around 200 metres from the bandstand, set within a conservation area valued by the local community. Its design takes inspiration from the original building, reimagined in a contemporary way. The new structure follows the same footprint and uses natural materials like charred timber and stone to create a clean, understated look.
A deep overhanging roof, similar to the original, is finished in natural slate and fitted with solar panels to help reduce long-term running costs. Large windows and bi-fold doors open onto the bowling green, creating a strong connection between inside and out.
The overall design is simple, high-quality and sits comfortably within the landscape. It respects the past while looking to the future.
"The local support for the restoration has been vital in our work, and it's been fantastic to see the community's passion for preserving local heritage."
Social value
Buttress is also delivering social value by working with Todmorden High School Pupils who are being invited to look around the project throughout the construction phase. We will also have a presence at a future careers day at the high school.
In addition to the restoration works on the bandstand and the new design of the pavilion, Buttress is also the appointed architects practice leading on Todmorden’s new market canopy.
Steve Kendall
Steve is an experienced senior architect with a history of designing and delivering buildings across a broad range of sectors.