Oldham Old Library
(Phase 1)

Location: Oldham
Sector: Heritage
Division: Regional Building, Engineering

Phase one of this project involved the major refurbishment of the Grade II listed Oldham Old Library to protect and preserve the building, ready for bringing it back into public use.

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The building was originally constructed in 1883 to provide a free public library for the residents of Oldham. Bringing the building back into use means that it can be used as a civic centre by the local community again.

We worked with local, traditional tradespeople to record the original elements for restoration to preserve and celebrate the history and grandeur of the building, whilst incorporating modern technologies for future-proofing.

3D scans and digital modelling used to virtually prototype and test traditional solutions and options.

The building is now structurally sound and watertight with the roofing replaced and brought up to modern standards using glazed roof panels that give the building natural light through the central atrium and improved sustainability credentials. All leaded stained glass has been restored and retained as civic building features.

£10.6m

Project value

September 2023

Completion date

Oldham Council

Client

Challenges and solutions

The condition of the building had been deteriorating for many years, worsened by a failing roof that had required regular repairs and also adversely affecting the ornate structural timbers in the building.

There had also been high levels of water damage. 90% of the plaster work needed replacing, ceilings were collapsed and permanent puddles sat on some floors.

Logistics were also challenging due the location of the sloping site in the heart of Oldham next to the main tram route into Manchester.

This was the first concrete building in the UK but the original concrete was so brittle and not structurally sound that a specialist temporary works design was needed to undertake the structural repairs.

We used the expertise of our in-house Temporary Works department to deliver the complex structural modifications safely and sensitively, ensuring all the heritage features were fully protected and retained.

“We can’t thank Tilbury Douglas enough for their continued support providing the project as a practical learning tool. The impact on learners has been remarkable, allowing them not just to gain more specialised knowledge but also to develop their skills and behaviours. They are better equipped for the workplace than ever before.”

Lynne O'Grady Work Experience Placement Officer, Oldham College

Being able to transform such an historic and important site into a new cultural hub, which will add so much to the local community, was a real honour for our team working on this scheme. That is why they focused on giving back to the local community, delivering a social value return on investment over £3m.

The team’s tremendous effort to respect the community, care for the environment and value the workforce was recognised with a top Considerate Constructors score of 45/45.

The project also won the Procure Partnership award for Social Value.