Civic Centre (Middleton)

• Theatre ID
  2624
• Built / Converted
  1976
• Dates of use
  • 1976: continuing
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  Theatre (multi purpose hall)
• Address
  Fountain Street, Middleton, Lancashire, M24 1AF, England

Details

The Middleton Civic Centre was designed by the Borough Architect’s Department as a multi-purpose hall, with folding acoustic partitions and removable or adjustable equipment used to create different interior environments for different functions. The stage is mechanically retractable, split in three sections so that it can extend to form a thrust. There is a full flying facility, which can be hidden by flying ceiling panels if the area is being used for non-theatre purposes. The main auditorium is on two levels, with upholstered bleacher seating and beech hardwood strip flooring. Front of house facilities are flexible as a result of moving partitions at mezzanine level. The building is of red brick, with the fascias and front wall of the flytower clad in lead faced chipboard, and glazing in tinted glass. This was an unusual civic building for the mid 1970s, in particular for the extent of its flying facilities. At the time of writing the Civic Centre is due for demolition, with plans advanced to build a new Civic & Leisure Centre.

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• Events
  • 1976 Use: continuing
  • 1976 Design/Construction:
    • Middleton Borough Architect’s Department - Architect
  • Owner/Management: Rochdale MBC
• Capacities
  • Original: 600 (700 with stage retracted)
  • Current: 600
• Listings
  • Grade Not listed