Oldham: Old Library revamp continues as scaffolding removed

The restoration work has been going on since January of last year and has included replacing the roof, using the original tiles wherever possible, and cleaning the stone.

On Tuesday (August 1), representatives from Oldham Council and contractors Tilbury Douglas came together to mark the 140th anniversary, to the day, of the building officially opening to the public in 1883.

Representatives from Oldham Council and Tilbury Douglas celebrated the 140th anniversary of the Old Library opening (Image: Oldham Council)

Council leader Cllr Arooj Shah and council chief executive Harry Catherall toured the building and signed a steel beam within the structure. 

Cllr Shah said: "It’s great to see how far the restoration of the Old Library has come, and I look forward to this fantastic heritage building being brought back into use for all the community.

Cllr Arooj Shah signing a steel beam in the building (Image: Oldham Council)

"The Old Library has a special place in the hearts of many Oldhamers, just as it does to me. 

"I have fond memories of coming here with my parents and siblings when I was younger, so it's exciting to see the historic features being preserved and the building brought back to life for future generations to use and enjoy."

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When the revamp of the Old Library is complete, it will house facilities for the community to use, a new Council Chamber, council offices and spaces for public meetings, as well as a new home for Oldham Theatre Workshop.

Cllr Shah said: "Moving council offices and the council chamber to the Old Library and the Spindles also frees up the Civic Centre for redevelopment by our partner Muse, who are set to create new homes, a park and beautiful new public spaces right in the heart of Oldham.

The internal fit out will begin soon (Image: Oldham Council)

"The restoration of the Old Library is an important piece in the jigsaw of our all-new town centre; and it's so exciting to see how the plans are becoming a reality."

The library sits in the heart of Oldham's Cultural Quarter and after this first phase of the restoration is complete, the next phase will see the internal fit out of the structure, which is set to start soon.

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Phil Shaw, Divisional Director at Tilbury Douglas, said: "Being able to transform such a historic site into a cultural hub, which will add so much to the community, has been a real honour for the Tilbury Douglas team."

The external stonework has been cleaned and restored (Image: Oldham Council)

Work has also been done to preserve key historical features of the building, including carved structures, carved stone heads of figures such as Shakespeare and Charles Darwin and the statue of Lady Wrigley on top of the building.