Five vacant historic buildings in Oldham are set to receive a major revitalization thanks to a £400,000 funding plan approved by the council. The project, which will see surveys and design proposals for the buildings, aims to breathe new life into these important structures and contribute to the town's cultural quarter.
Five of Oldham 's most historic buildings are on the brink of being saved from dilapidation after a substantial £400,000 plan received approval from the council on January 20. This funding initiative will be instrumental in designing a revitalized future for five currently vacant buildings, some of which hold Grade-listed status. Historic England has pledged a £200,000 grant towards the project, while the Greater Manchester Combined Authority will contribute £100,000.
Oldham Council has further committed to matching up to £100,000 from its Creating a Better Place fund or profit shares derived from a development agreement with developers at Foxdenton / Broadway Green. The funding will primarily be utilized for comprehensive surveys and expert consultants who will develop proposals for these buildings by March 2026. These proposals will form a cornerstone of the town's burgeoning 'Cultural Quarter'. This decision stems from growing community concerns regarding the deterioration of historic buildings in the town center, which has left Union Street appearing desolate and unoccupied, according to local shop owners. The Grade II-listed building at 79 Union Street, a 135-year-old edifice towering over the Oldham Central tram stop, has been acquired by Oldham Council via a compulsory purchase order. This building, designed by renowned architect Alfred Waterhouse (also known for his work on the Natural History Museum and Manchester Town Hall), has remained vacant for several years, succumbing to gradual decay and overgrowth. The council, led by town hall boss Arooj Shah, has vowed to breathe new life into this derelict structure. The theatre and cultural centre on 95 Union Street, a nearly 170-year-old Grade II listed building, holds a rich history. It once housed a newsroom, reading room, library, lecture rooms, committee and club rooms, classrooms, and even an observatory, with a Science and Art school added in 1881. Currently, parts of the building are occupied by the Oldham Music Service and The Lyceum Amateur Theatre, while other sections are falling into disrepair. The iconic building on Greaves Street, still in use by the Oldham Theatre Workshop, is slated to transition to the restored Old Library once restoration work is completed. This council-owned building, constructed between 1867-69, served as the town's museum before being taken over by the Quaker community as a Friends Meeting House. The Masonic Hall on Union Street, almost 200 years old, is another notable structure. This grand manor, once a gathering place for local Freemasons, featuring a ballroom and various entertainment rooms, has stood vacant for nearly two decades. The council is seeking formal consent from the owner to include this vacant Grade II property in the project. Finally, the Grade II-listed Old Post Office, purpose-built as a post and telegraph office in 1875, has been vacant since the Oldham Local Studies and Archives moved to the Oldham library in 2023. It is owned by the council
Historic Buildings Oldham Regeneration Cultural Quarter Funding Preservation
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'Beautiful' watch 'literally hundreds cheaper' in massive 85% sale at DebenhamsThe watch has an RRP of more than £400
Read more »
Budget Christmas Dinner: Mum Saves £400 With £25 Festive FeastA savvy mum of seven reveals how she keeps Christmas dinner costs down to just £2.77 per person with clever shopping hacks and simple meal choices.
Read more »
This simple bin mistake could cost you £400 if you aren't carefulBlocking the pavement by leaving your bin out on the street on non-collection days can land you with a fine.
Read more »
Labour's Holiday Tax Hike to Hit Families with Record £400 Flight LevyFamilies will face the highest ever tax rates on flights under Labour's multi-billion-pound raid on holidaymakers. The hike in Air Passenger Duty (APD) will see air fare levies for a family of four to popular destinations such as Walt Disney World in Florida surge above £400 for the first time. Critics argue the move contradicts the Government's claims of not raising taxes on 'working people' and prioritising economic growth.
Read more »
Mother Outraged Over £400 Bonfire FineA mother is furious after her son was issued a £400 fine for allegedly littering on Guy Fawkes Night. The son had placed a cardboard box in a bonfire, a tradition the family has upheld for nearly 50 years.
Read more »
New Holiday Tax To Hit Families With £400 BillsA new holiday tax starting this year will see families hit with record-breaking flight taxes, reaching around £400. The increases to Air Passenger Duty (APD), planned by the Labour Party government, will affect travellers flying with major airlines like Ryanair, Easyjet, Jet2 and TUI.
Read more »