Culture boost sparks creativity in Milkstone

Posted by on 25 Sep 2025

The Milkstone Road area of Rochdale is getting a boost of culture and creativity this autumn thanks to ‘Made in Milkstone’, a new programme supported by Rochdale Borough Council’s Community Regeneration Partnership funding.                         

The busy area, close to Rochdale town centre, is in line for a series of improvements and activities, delivered by Culture Co-op and Rochdale Development Agency, aimed at celebrating the people, businesses and identity around Milkstone Road. Residents will be at the heart of the project, which follows work done last year by the University of Sheffield, which generated ideas from the local community to improve the area. 

As part of Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture the programme will see a range of cultural activities being rolled out. These include a ‘Paint the Street’ mural programme that will create murals on walls and shop shutters co-designed by residents, alongside guest artists.

Monthly ‘Creative Corners’ will be held with live demonstrations of various arts including embroidery, calligraphy and weaving alongside opportunities for residents to give their views during one to one ‘Spill the Tea’ community sessions. Free digital media workshops will also be available, giving locals chance to learn skills in things like podcasting and video content generation. There’ll also be pop-up ‘Street Sounds’ - live music sessions in the area during October and November. 

The project will also extend to include improvements to facades on Milkstone Road, with Rochdale Development Agency and Culture Co-op intending to apply for further funding to deliver more improvements and activities that residents suggest. 

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “This is the first step on what I hope will be long term investment in the area, putting culture at the heart of regeneration. It’s not only about funding the arts, this is about creating pride, opportunity and a sense of belonging for local people, listening and working with residents.” 

Find out more at www.theculturecoop.org  and www.rochdalecreates.co.uk

This initial phase of Made in Milkstone is funded as part of Rochdale Borough Council’s Community Regeneration Partnership package from the UK Government and Culture Co-ops ‘Creative People and Places’ programme from Arts Council England.