RICHARD STREET Studios

Creative Studios for Artists in Rochdale

Richard Street Studios is home to a growing community of artists, creatives and cultural practitioners based in Rochdale. Managed by Breaking Barriers, the studios provide affordable, supportive workspace where artists can develop their practice, collaborate with others and be part of a wider creative network.

Each studio offers a different type of workspace depending on artistic needs. Some studios are equipped with sinks for wet practices, while others are designed as dry spaces for desk-based or digital work.

Alongside individual studios, the building also hosts networking opportunities, creative development sessions, rehearsals and more.

Our aim is simple: to provide the kind of creative space many artists struggle to find accessible, supportive and rooted in the local creative community.

Studio 1

Type: Flexible

Studio 1, available 24/7, is our flexible, self-managed space available to hire.

We have hosted rehearsals, workshops, training, craft days, board meetings, yoga classes and even performances in this space. 

Studio 1 is fitted with overhead lighting and sound, 3 tables on wheels, 22 chairs and a projector. 

You need to collect a set of keys from our studio manager followed by a short building induction- then, will be ready to host or create in studio one! 

  • Underfloor heating
  • 24/7 access
  • Free WiFi
  • Accessible space
  • Free teas and coffees
  • Fridge
  • Microwave

 

How to find us ? 

Located just a 3-minute walk from Rochdale Railway Station and Metrolink stop.

The studio is at the centre of Rochdale and offers a range of creative workspaces tailored to the needs of Rochdale’s growing art and creative business community. 

Parking 

We have no onsite parking at Richard Street Studios, but no worries, you can park for free at the Central Retail Park which is just opposite. 

If you are a blue badge holder please can you contact our studio manager who can advise you in advance.

Join the Waiting List

Our studios are currently in high demand. If you would like to be considered for future availability, you can join our waiting list.

When studio space becomes available, we review applications from the waiting list and contact suitable applicants.

MEET THE ARTISTS 

Theatre in flow

We are a creative company committed to the championing of marginalised voices.

Theatre In Flow is a cultural organisation based in Rochdale. We make creative work, tell stories, run programmes and deliver training that challenges discrimination, promotes wellbeing and builds confidence. This encompasses individuals experiencing homelessness, enduring domestic violence, navigating addiction recovery, grappling with racism, entangled in the criminal justice system, or living in poverty. We collaborate with youth in educational settings and a diverse range of adults in community environments. Our dedication lies in advocating for social justice, and collaborating with grassroots activists in the Greater Manchester area to champion systemic transformation

Luke Saxon 

Luke Saxon is a visual artist working across collage, photography, and print. His practice is rooted in street photography, everyday observation, and time spent in nature. Using found materials and his own photographic work, he creates pieces shaped by place and the quiet details that often go unnoticed.



amon numany (Underline agency)

Underline Agency is an award-winning branding agency and web design studio that delivers high-performance branding, website design, organic search, and paid media. Set up in 2012 in London, Underline is an energetic, fresh, and vibrant team offering creative talent, industry knowledge, and extremely high standards. We don’t do fluff; we build killer digital presences that help ambitious SMEs grow their reach. By blending years of industry knowledge with a genuine passion for storytelling, we create digital experiences that look beautiful and deliver exceptional results. 

Our founder, Amon Numany, recently traded London life for the North, falling in love with Rochdale’s distinct culture and creative energy. Now, we’ve made Rochdale our permanent home and are focused on bringing that big-city expertise to the local business community. We are incredibly excited to be part of the local landscape and are looking forward to getting stuck into the Rochdale community, partnering with local businesses to help them unlock their full potential and bound ahead of the competition.



SHaun Heffernan

Shaun is a Manchester-born painter focusing on portraiture. Practising for over forty years, Heffernan often works on found or tactile surfaces – old paper, newspaper, and cardboard – as well as traditional canvas. By layering acrylics, watercolors, pastels, pencil, and charcoal, Heffernan creates a dialogue between the medium and the message. While the techniques vary, the aim remains constant: to make the viewer think.



DJ John neal

DJ John Neal is an electronic music artist from Liverpool, UK, known for his signature house sound. Blending infectious rhythms, deep grooves, and melodic hooks, his music delivers an immersive and uplifting experience.

Drawing inspiration from disco, funk, and modern house styles, Neal creates dynamic tracks that connect with a wide audience while pushing creative boundaries. His productions showcase both technical skill and a natural ear for memorable, dancefloor-ready sound.

Driven by a passion for electronic music, DJ John Neal continues to craft tracks that move listeners and keep them coming back for more.

 

““Breaking Barriers brought unparalleled creativity, professionalism, and empathy to the
project. Given the sensitive nature of the subject matter, combined with the sometimes
chaotic filming environments—like the Reading Festival—it was essential to have a
production company that could balance organization, passion, and focus. Breaking Barriers
excelled in this, ensuring I felt safe and comfortable at all times while seamlessly guiding me
through my scripts and managing the recruitment of interview guests.”
.”

Georgia Harrison, Television Personality 

“Working with the team from Breaking Barriers was a pleasure.  They flexibly worked to fit in with our busy workloads and make the most of the opportunities.  They were friendly and set those who featured in the film at ease and ensured we gathered the best content.  The end result is a great showcase of our work far superior in quality to that we could have achieved ourselves and worth the investment.”

Tim Wiseman, Thames Valley Police


“The team at Breaking Barriers were energised by what they were doing and this is evident in the finished piece, a snapshot of Lancashire culture that will stand the test of time. Here at Culturapedia, we are thrilled to have worked with Breaking Barriers and look forward to the next collaboration.”

Robert Howell, Director at Culturapedia Lancashire

“Breaking Barriers have been very supportive of our different journeys and have encouraged us to explore ways of making live art. Opportunities have opened up for us since working with Breaking Barriers and we’re embracing them.”

Shirley and Sam Jamil, Rochdale Creative Duo

“Our project was completed efficiently and ahead of schedule. What’s more, all of our input and ideas were explored, taken on board, and incorporated into the production. There was constant communication and expertise put into a final film that the entire team are delighted with. We will definitely be working with Breaking Barriers again if the opportunity arises.”

Felix Tasker, Children Heard and Seen

“Breaking Barriers are passionate about what they do and bring with them lots of creativity, energy and enthusiasm. We have found it very easy to work alongside them, as our core values of putting the people at the forefront of our work is a priority we share.”

Shabaz Ahmed, Community Development Officer, Building Bridges Pendle