A new chapter for Oldham Old Library
Tilbury Douglas, a leading UK building, infrastructure, engineering and fit-out business, is marking the community focused transformation of Oldham Old Library with a new photography exhibition at Gallery Oldham.
The new photography exhibition is shining a spotlight on the people and partnerships behind the Old Library transformation, celebrating the community centred approach taken throughout the project.
Commissioned by Gallery Oldham, the exhibition was delivered in partnership with Tilbury Douglas and Oldham Council. It marks the completion of a significant heritage project that has restored and revitalised one of the borough’s most cherished civic landmarks, while placing social value at the heart of delivery.
The exhibition documents the build and the people who made it happen from site teams and apprentices to council staff and community partners. It has been captured by local photographer Ingrid Turner, whose work brings a thoughtful and human perspective to the process of renewal and collaboration.
Titled: “New life in an old building”, the exhibition runs from 23 April to 31 May 2025 at Oldham Library, Greaves Street, Oldham OL1 1AL. It forms part of the final handover and serves as a visual record of the collaborative effort that brought the Old Library back into civic life.
With a focus on inclusion, opportunity and pride in place, the images reflect Tilbury Douglas’ commitment to creating lasting impact beyond the build.
“We’re proud to have delivered this project with a focus on people first. The Old Library means so much to the local community, so we knew from the outset that this was about more than restoring a building. This exhibition captures the relationships, the progress, and the shared sense of achievement behind every stage of the work. It’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when public purpose and skilled delivery come together.”
The restored Old Library will now move into its next chapter as a hub for local services, cultural events and community use, continuing its long-standing role as a cornerstone of Oldham’s civic identity.
