Oldham pub more than 130 years old marked for demolition

The Snipe Inn pub on Henshaw Street which sits close to Tommyfield Superstore has been closed for some time.

The pub spans across four floors, including the basement, and its original structure is believed to be more than 130 years old, although additions and alterations have been made in recent years.

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However, the site is now earmarked to be demolished and redeveloped into a landscaped public path.

The proposal, submitted by Oldham Council this month, outlines tearing down the structure without using explosives.

What the space could look like (Image: Oldham Council)

An independent surveyor assessment carried out by JPR Asbestos Services Ltd also revealed the former public house has traces of asbestos, in its boiler room, in various places on the ground floor and in the ladies' toilets.

A further structural inspection report by Wilde reveals the pub is in a poor state.

The basement, which was used as a beer cellar, has "several cracks" across the ceiling and walls and "extensive black mould".

While the main room and bar area both show "no signs of significant structural distress", a third room has "damp ingress" as does the stairwell, which also has black mould.

The porch and men's toilets also have cracking along the walls while the ladies' has cracks, bulges and some discolouration and staining, suggesting "historical water ingress".

In addition, the kitchen has a vertical crack and an "undulated" floor.

The plans propose landscaping and seating areas (Image: Oldham Council)

Upstairs, the inspectors noted the first bedroom has an "uneven" floor as well as a "sagging" partially collapsed ceiling and black staining in the second bedroom.

The third bedroom has a "noticeable bounce" when walked on, as well as cracks and damp staining, and the fourth is noticeably sloped downwards, and again has patches of black mould.

The office has cracks and wallpaper pulling, as does the storage room, upstairs kitchen, WC, hallway and landing.

The loft could not be fully inspected but the documents reveal the ceiling is sagging, the roofing felt is exposed and the plaster is in "poor condition" and "exhibits extensive crazed cracking".

In its verdict, Wilde said the property is "showing signs of its age".

Planning documents show the space could be put to better use as a new entrance into the town centre, with a paved path, seating and attractive landscaping.

Some of the design options which have been submitted so far (Image: Oldham Council)

While still in the early planning stage, three designs have been drawn up.

Options include using a shipping container as an outlet or a gazebo-type covering, both with plenty of dwell and seating spaces.

The area will be decorated in line with other local artworks across the town, potentially making way for a new mural or a green wall of landscaping, plus lighting.

The concepts have been inspired by the surrounding Pennine landscape, and from Ladywell Fields in London and Mellemrummet in Copenhagen.

In a video posted on social media, Oldham Council said the site is "making way for an exciting transformation" as it wants to create a "vibrant new entrance into the town centre".

The local authority added: "The project is a key part in reshaping the town centre alongside the redevelopment of Spindles, a new town centre park, new homes and so much more.

"The plan includes a new public area with seating, trees and plants.

"Opening up this area to make it feel safer, cleaner and greener."

If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.