Conlon Construction leads major revamp of Heywood venue

By Rob Kelly

12 Dec 2024

Conlon Construction outside the civic

Conlon Construction is set to start work before Christmas to transform Heywood Civic Centre.

The scheme will deliver major improvements, including the extension and modernisation of the venue, which has delivered events in the heart of Heywood for decades.

A new glazed frontage onto Peine Square will be created to modernise the building’s appearance and increase the size of the foyer, while a brand new café and bar area will be created at the front of the building, alongside upgrades to the performance space to boost lighting and sound.

Other improvements set to take place include the installation of new retractable seating in the auditorium to allow flexible use of the space, more lifts and accessible toilets, including a changing places facility, and other measures to reduce the building’s environmental impact and make it more sustainable.

The announcement follows the formal appointment of Preston-based Conlon Construction, which has delivered multiple projects across the country, including at major North West venues like the National Football Museum, Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, Lancaster University and Manchester Metropolitan University.

As part of its social value responsibility, the firm has committed to the creation of a joinery apprenticeship for the duration of the project, alongside a number of apprenticeship weeks.

Conlon has also committed to employing a number of local operatives to work on the project part time, while offering 20 weeks training opportunities for local T Level students.

The company also funded the creation of colourful hoardings, soon to be erected on site, which feature the work of local artists selected by a Heywood community panel, as part of a wider arts project being delivered in Heywood by the Culture Co-op.

Darren Lee, commercial director at Conlon Construction, said: “This renovation is about more than modernising the building; it’s about creating a vibrant, inclusive space for performances, exhibitions, and social connection.

"Our team is thrilled to bring this vision to life, ensuring the centre remains a cultural hub for generations to come.

“As with all our projects, we’re committed to leaving a lasting, positive impact on the local community.

"From creating apprenticeships and training opportunities to collaborating with local suppliers and talent, this project represents our dedication to investing in the people and places we serve. We’re excited to play a role in enhancing this beloved landmark while contributing to Heywood’s cultural and economic vitality.”

Councillor Danny Meredith, cabinet member for housing and regeneration at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “It’s great to see substantial investment going into Heywood on a project which will truly change the face of the whole area.

"It’s part of a wider package of improvements outlined in our masterplan for Heywood, including better public realm and new houses, which include 72 affordable homes that are already being built at the former Marina Ropeworks site close to the town centre.

"I’m also pleased to see Conlon’s commitment to social value and it’s clear that local people and businesses will be involved in the delivery of his vital project.”

Delivered by RDA on behalf of the council and Your Trust with K2 Architects, the project will deliver huge cultural benefits for the community.

Councillor Angela Brown, chair of the Heywood township, said: “I’m excited to see this pivotal project reaching such an important milestone. The Heywood Civic Centre has played a major role in the town for many years and this work will ensure it can continue to do so for many years to come, but with an even bigger and better offer which will attract more visitors to our town centre.” 

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and cooperation at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “This Arts Council England supported project will really lift the cultural offer in this area and enable it to put on an even wider variety of productions, which will attract people from the local area and beyond. It will also support local creatives and I’m delighted that this work has already begun with the on-site hoardings showcasing the work of local artists due to go up soon.”

 

The project to transform the Heywood Civic Centre is being funded by Rochdale Borough Council, Arts Council England and Your Trust, which operates the facility. The construction project is expected to complete in Autumn next year. Your Trust will then spend time getting the venue ready before it reopens to the public.

 

Enjoyed this? Read more from Rob Kelly

Latest news

1

Financial Affairs support the Red Rose Award winners' reception Networking photograph

Financial Affairs support the Red Rose Award winners' reception

24 Apr 2025

2

Lancaster University unveils cutting-edge computing and cyber security facilities Head of Lancaster University's School of Computing and Communications Professor Nigel Davies, Chris Ensor, Vice-Chancellor Professor Andy Schofield and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Engagement) Professor Sarah Kemp

Lancaster University unveils cutting-edge computing and cyber security facilities

24 Apr 2025

3

Major shareholder makes Inspired takeover bid inspired-500x500.png

Major shareholder makes Inspired takeover bid

23 Apr 2025

4

Nominate your favourite family-run business in Lancashire. Thompsons meeting (1).png.png

Nominate your favourite family-run business in Lancashire.

22 Apr 2025

5

Business academies to continue for an additional year Cllr Mark Smith (r) with Top Gun Tools & Fixings team presenting Blackpool Net Zero Academy certificate

Business academies to continue for an additional year

22 Apr 2025

Pc Prestonmacan Gif980x120 March
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV122 May/June Launch Event
121 Lancashire Business View Magazine Launch
Networking
21 May 2025

LBV122 May/June Launch Event

Lancaster and Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TY

08:30 - 10:30

Sub36 Networking
Networking
11 Jun 2025

Sub36 Networking

British Jewellery School, Scorton, PR3 1BA

15:00 - 17:00

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200px 2
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
24 Apr 2025 - 24 Apr 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: April
1.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
25 Apr 2025 - 25 Apr 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: April

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

People Power: Exclusive Event Series
Stay ahead in 2025.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
29 Apr 2025 - 29 Apr 2025

People Power: Exclusive Event Series

People's History Museum, Manchester, M3 3ER

17:00 - 21:00

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes
Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes for website.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
01 May 2025 - 01 May 2025

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes

Stanley House Hotel, Mellor, Blackburn, BB2 7NP, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

08:00 - 10:30

A night at the races
1.png.png
LBV Hub Dinners / Balls
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

A night at the races

Morecambe FC, Morecambe, LA4 4TB

19:00 - 23:59

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more Lbv121 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin