Built in 1914, the Edwardian bandstand is the only surviving example known in England of this type*. The works included extensive repairs to the historic timber, a new stage floor and redecoration throughout. Several steps were taken to future-proof the building, including the addition of a terne-coated stainless steel roof and adapting the structure to allow portable lift access and improved circulation.
Serving as a popular focal point in the park, the bandstand has fully re-opened and local community groups have enjoyed various musical performances over recent weeks.
A short walk from the restored bandstand, the new community pavilion sits within the parkland. Designed by Buttress, it draws inspiration from the original building, reimagined in a contemporary form sympathetic to the conservation area. The pavilion follows the same footprint and uses a simple palette of natural materials: charred Douglas fir, slate and reclaimed stone from the original building.
A deep overhanging roof provides shelter to the viewing area and is fitted with solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system to reduce the building’s environmental impact. Large windows and bi-fold doors open onto the bowling greens, creating a strong connection between inside and out.
Todmorden bowls club and other groups make regular use of the four bowling greens in Centre Vale Park, and can now enjoy the enhanced facilities of the new community pavilion which is also available as a space for anyone to hire.
Christopher Nils-Shaw, architect at Buttress, said:
“Centre Vale Park carries generations of memories. In restoring the bandstand, we've helped to protect that history, allowing the next generation of musicians and performers to use one of the last remaining bandstands of its kind. Alongside this, it has been a privilege to create a new community pavilion, which will serve the local area and continue to strengthen the park as a civic destination for years to come.”
Mayor of Todmorden Cllr Mary Carrigan commented:
“The newly built Todmorden pavilion sits well within Centre Vale Park and is available for our active bowlers of all ages, as well as other community groups. Thanks to the sponsorship of Todmorden Town Council through the Todmorden Town Deal project, with additional funding from the Community Ownership Fund, Todmorden pavilion has been welcomed back as a beautiful space that blends well, facing the four bowling greens which are a unique feature of our lovely park.”
Alongside the building work, Buttress has delivered social value in Todmorden. Pupils from Todmorden High School followed the project throughout its design and construction phases, gaining an introduction to architecture and the value of conservation in the built environment. An exhibition exploring the bandstand's restoration will run in Centre Vale Park over the summer.
*More information on the listed building category of the bandstand on Historic England's website here. Todmorden bandstand is an unusual theatre type of bandstand of which fewer than 15 are known to have been built across the UK before the First World War, and for its rarity as the only surviving example known in England of this form of the type.
Find out more about Todmorden's unique bandstand in this short podcast episode on BBC Sounds.
Hidden West Yorkshire - Todmorden's unique bandstand - BBC Sounds
