These stunning new pictures show how a huge public square outside Rochdale town hall could look once work is complete.
Council chiefs say the £3m Town Hall Square project will be 'transformational for Rochdale town centre'.
Under the plans being drawn up by architects Gillespies the area outside the town hall, which is currently largely car parking, will be pedestrianised and lawns and trees will be planted.
What's been described as a 'spectacular carpet of historic paving' will run through the centre of the new lawns, connecting the main town hall entrance with the cenotaph and memorial gardens opposite.
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Inscriptions inspired by the historic symbols within the town hall, such as cotton plants, sheep and the Lancashire rose, will be etched into the paving stones.
Terraces will also be built at the side and rear of the town hall, creating seating areas for people attending events at the town hall and outdoor dining space for the Clock Tower restaurant on the ground floor.
The Packer Street side of the town hall, home to several bars and pubs, will also be paved to create an open area for large scale events like the Feel Good Festival.
Town Hall Square is expected to open, alongside the redeveloped Grade I-listed town hall, next year.
Coun John Blundell, cabinet member for economy at Rochdale council, said: "Beautiful public realm is all too often sacrificed in the competition for space in our town and city centres, and there are few striking examples of fantastic quality outdoor spaces in our urban areas. That's why this project will be transformational for Rochdale town centre.
"It will better frame the spectacular town hall and link it even more closely with the wider conservation area, which includes the reopened River Roch and the cenotaph and memorial gardens.
"It will also be a place for people to come and relax among plants and greenery, which will complement the green flag parks within the town centre, as well creating a boost for businesses in the vicinity.
"Along with the redeveloped town hall, this will become an incredibly important part of our town centre once it reopens in 2023."
Warren Chapman, associate partner at Gillespies, said: "It's not often you get the chance to totally transform the setting of an amazing grade I listed building. We're delighted to play our part in this significant place making opportunity.
"The completed project will transform a sea of car parking into a people-friendly civic space that caters for events and celebrations for the people of Rochdale to enjoy and cherish."
