The Exchange
The Exchange is the hub of the public part of the building. The space welcomes visitors whilst its decoration introduces them to the character of Victorian Rochdale.
The Exchange was originally built as a marketplace for local businessmen to trade cotton and wool, but they never used it. Perhaps they preferred to continue to do their deals in the local pubs!
Together, the architecture and decoration show the pride Rochdalians had in their town and borough, particularly in trade and commerce.