Rochester Roundhouse, a collaboration between Kielder Art & Architecture and Newcastle University School of Architecture, opened at Rochester’s old ‘Brigantium’ site in Redesdale in August 2016.

This project is the third of the Testing Ground programme of architectural commissions that is enabling architecture students from Newcastle University to work with a range of communities and other user groups across the Park. Students responded to community wishes to reimagine the old unused and dilapidated ‘Brigantium’ visitor attraction to realise a new facility with an external ampitheatre space created from the old roundhouse’s walls, and a new pavilion linked to this that will provide a simple and elegant internal space for events and activities.

Rochester Roundhouse is sited in the centre of the village of Rochester, northwest of Otterburn, in the Redesdale valley. The Roundhouse is located behind the Camien Café and is accessible by prior appointment only.

Rochester Roundhouse is the third ‘Testing Ground’ collaboration between Newcastle University School of Architecture and Kielder Art & Architecture. The project saw MArch students working with the local community to design and construct a a new multi-purpose amenity for the village.