Refurbishment of Oldham’s Old Library – Progress Update

Phase two of the refurbishment of Oldham’s Old Library is progressing as part of the council’s redevelopment plans for the town centre.

The project aims to transform the library into a modern multi-purpose facility. It will feature exhibition spaces for showcasing historical items, conference rooms, meeting areas, a new council chamber, administrative offices, and performance studios.

As the building had been dilapidated for many years, phase one focused on making it safe and secure while restoring its exterior. This involved replacing the roof while using the original tiles whenever possible, cleaning the stone, preserving key historical features such as the Lady Wrigley statue, stripping out redundant services, and ensuring the building was watertight and safe.

Now, in phase two, work is concentrated on internal renovations. This includes significant updates such as adding thermal insulation and renewing the windows, fitting out all M&E services, replacing the original green wall tiles and installing steel beams to secure the upstairs walkways. A key aspect of this update is incorporating renewable energy solutions, including new energy-efficient air handling units with integrated heat pumps. These improvements will help reduce carbon emissions and enhance user comfort, supporting Oldham’s broader net-zero ambitions.

The restoration is scheduled to be completed by the summer of 2025.