Champness Hall Trust are asking for help in restoring one of Rochdale’s most Iconic buildings back to its former glory, so that it can be used regularly again by the people of Rochdale.

Named after Methodist Minister Thomas Champness (1832 – 1905), Champness Hall first opened on 8 September 1925, the largest building on Drake Street and was one of the Grandest buildings in the town.

The building currently houses 2 Christian Churches, a number of charitable organisations - such as The Sanctuary Trust and a Soup Kitchen for the homeless, a vintage themed café and the main auditorium that with the balcony seating can hold over 800 people.

Between the 1940’s – 1970’s the auditorium hosted many different events and stars including The Halle and Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestras, Dame Gracie Fields, Elvis Costello, Thin Lizzy, Mike Harding and (almost) the Sex Pistols before complaints forced the cancellation of the concert.

One problem that Champness Hall faces is that over the last 30 years it has become largely forgotten about. The Hall has never closed but as a charity we do need funds to keep it going and to restore it to its former glory.

The Auditorium does need updating. In particular, the heating system is very outdated and inadequate, very expensive to run and doesn’t really do much to heat such a large room. We are also planning on securing proper stage lighting and getting a sound / PA system installed. The hall really hasn’t been updated very much since it was first built. This is a part of its charm but also a disadvantage at times.

Please help us to restore the Hall so that all Rochdale’s Community can enjoy and use it again the way it once was.

Thank You

The Trustees