Royton Town Hall and library makeover works approved

Planning documents reveal work has been approved to improve the building all and its adjacent library, both of which have remained closed and temporary premises established while work has been underway.

The buildings are of local historical relevance, though they are not listed, and planning permission has been approved by the council providing the makeover is in line with the original appearance of these "visually prominent and much-loved buildings" that are of "value to the local community".

The buildings are of historical significance to Royton. (Image: Oldham Council)

Royton town hall was established in 1880 as a municipal building for the local board to manage affairs and is constructed with Jacobean influences.

Its most prominent feature is its clock tower which is topped with a copper cupola and is inscribed with Latin mottos.

The town hall was damaged after an explosion in the cellar in 1884 and was extended in the 1960s, however, the planning notes state the work is "somewhat utilitarian in appearance" as it “uses a different colour palette and is relatively unsympathetic to the design and context of the original buildings”.

This two-storey office block that was used by the council was demolished earlier this year.

The library follows a similar Jacobean design and features four large windows which have inscriptions paying homage to writers and poets including Bacon, Carlyle, Spenser and Milton.

The library was constructed from a donation from the Scottish businessman and philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie, and Butterworth & Duncan won a competition to design it.

Oldham Council approved plans to update both buildings earlier this month.

An illuminated handrail will be installed on the disabled access ramp to the entrance of both buildings on Rochdale Road.

The planning notes state this will improve visibility, particularly at night, and will "help to emphasise the civic standing" of the buildings.

The original bay window to the main town hall staircase is due to be reconstructed while a new external feature light will be installed.

The roof will also be updated using Welsh Blue slates of the "best quality".

The plans add: "The design of the proposed interventions is sympathetic to the original buildings and incorporates and repeats a number of features.

"We have taken great care to ensure that the visual appearance of the new building elements is sympathetic to the original."