The former Oldham Joint Stock Bank, currently operating as a branch of HSBC, is a Grade II listed building located on Yorkshire Street in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, England. Built in 1895, it is a prominent example of Neoclassical bank architecture from the late Victorian period.
The building was originally constructed for the Oldham Joint Stock Banking Company, which was established in 1880 and later amalgamated with the London & Midland Bank Limited in 1898.[1] Though the architect of the Rochdale branch is officially unknown, stylistic similarities to other bank buildings designed by Thomas Taylor suggest he may have been involved.[2]
In the early 20thcentury, the bank was acquired by the Midland Bank, which became part of HSBC in 1992.[3]
The building is constructed of ashlar sandstone with a rock-faced pink granite plinth and features a slate roof. It occupies a prominent corner location at the junction of Yorkshire Street and The Butts, with a curved façade.[4]
Architecturally, the structure comprises a three-storey central section flanked by two-storey wings. The ground floor is rusticated and features pilasters and round-headed windows. A projecting central entrance bay includes an oversized round-headed doorway with a relief-carved keystone shield, serving as a focal point of the design.[4]
Additional decorative elements include moulded frieze bands, dentilcornices, and a balustraded parapet, all of which reinforce the building's Neoclassical style. Above the banking hall, an elongated hexagonal roof light with Art Nouveau stained glass provides both illumination and artistic detail.[4]
Location and access
The building sits in the Old Town character area,[5] adjacent to the historic Rochdale Bridge, which is also Grade II listed and spans the River Roch.[6] This location places the branch at a prominent junction near South Parade and The Esplanade, with access to nearby public transport including Rochdale Town Centre tram stop and the interchange.
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