Restoring civic heritage: how the J.R. Clynes Building sets a new standard for regeneration

Across the UK, towns and cities are grappling with a shared challenge: how to revitalise historic assets in a way that is meaningful, sustainable, and relevant to modern communities. Too often, heritage buildings are either preserved but underused or sold off and redeveloped in ways that dilute their identity.

Oldham Council has taken a different approach. Rather than divesting its historic assets, it has made a conscious decision to retain and reinvest in them, recognising their long-term civic, cultural and economic value. This commitment is central to the town’s wider regeneration strategy, positioning heritage not as a constraint, but as a catalyst for renewal.

Our transformation of Oldham’s Old Library into the J.R. Clynes Building is a shining example of this vision in action. Delivered as part of the Council’s ambitious “Building a Better Oldham” programme, the project demonstrates how heritage, innovation and social value can be woven together to create a truly future-facing civic asset. It reflects not only the potential of the building itself, but the strength of a partnership-driven approach to regeneration.

From preservation to purpose

Originally opened in 1883, Oldham’s Old Library served as a cornerstone of community life for more than a century. But like many historic buildings, it faced decline after closure in 2017, requiring significant intervention to secure its future.

The ambition behind this project went beyond restoration. It was about redefining the role of civic buildings in the 21st century, transforming a dormant asset into a vibrant, multi-functional hub that supports democracy, culture, and community engagement.

Phase 2 of the project was critical in realising this vision. Moving beyond structural stabilisation, it focused on delivering a sensitive internal fit-out which blended preserved Victorian features with contemporary infrastructure and new uses. The result is not just a restored building, but a reactivated civic ecosystem.

Heritage meets modern functionality

A defining feature of the J.R. Clynes Building is its ability to balance conservation with adaptability.

Key historic elements, such as stained glass, stone carvings, and architectural detailing, have been carefully restored, maintaining the building’s identity and cultural significance. At the same time, modern features including new MEP systems, a standout glass lift, and flexible internal spaces ensure the building meets current and future needs.

This “fabric-first” approach demonstrates how heritage projects can contribute to sustainability goals while enhancing user experience.

Crucially, the building’s new functions reflect evolving civic priorities:

• A fully operational council chamber and democratic spaces
• Cultural and exhibition areas
• Dedicated facilities for Oldham Theatre Workshop
• Flexible meeting and community spaces

This mix ensures the building remains active throughout the day and evening, embedding it firmly within the life of the town.

Delivering social value at scale

What sets this project apart is not just what was built but how it was delivered. The J.R. Clynes Building demonstrates how construction can act as a catalyst for wider socio-economic impact, generating over £21.8 million in social value and achieving a 61.5% social return on investment.

This impact was driven through a strong commitment to the local community, with 75% of project spend directed locally and 88% with SMEs, helping to sustain regional businesses. Alongside this, the project delivered 884 weeks of apprenticeship training, created 17 local jobs, and supported people into work through targeted skills and employment initiatives.

Wider community benefits included education engagement, volunteering, and charitable initiatives, ensuring the project delivered meaningful, lasting value beyond the built asset itself.

This reflects a shift in the industry from delivering assets to delivering outcomes, where success is defined by long-term community impact as well as project delivery.

Collaboration as a catalyst

Projects of this complexity cannot succeed through technical expertise alone. They require deep collaboration across stakeholders, such as local authorities, designers, contractors, and the community itself.

At Oldham, the Council’s clear strategic commitment to retaining and reinvesting in its civic assets, combined with strong alignment between its regeneration ambitions and the project team’s delivery approach, was key. The scheme forms part of the wider Building a Better Oldham programme, positioning the building as a central anchor in the town’s long-term transformation.

This collaborative ethos extended beyond delivery into design evolution, ensuring the outcome reflects real user needs while remaining commercially viable and programmatically achievable.

A blueprint for future regeneration

The J.R. Clynes Building is more than a successful heritage project; it is a blueprint for how the built environment sector can approach regeneration in the years ahead.

As towns and cities continue to evolve, the demand for projects that combine heritage, sustainability, and social impact will only grow. In Oldham, this momentum is continuing, with further regeneration activity underway, including our ongoing work at Oldham Coliseum. This next phase reflects the strength of our collaborative relationship with Oldham Council and their continued ambition to invest in cultural infrastructure as a driver for growth and community engagement.

Together, these projects demonstrate what is possible when long-term vision is matched with delivery expertise, transforming historic assets into vibrant, modern spaces that support culture, democracy and community life.