Work to transform the iconic Royton Town Hall and Library into a multi-use community hub has begun.
The project will breathe new life into the town hall and adjoining library to create a welcoming, family-friendly venue in the heart of the town, Oldham town hall bosses say.
As well as creating an improved library area and better community rooms, there will also be space for a local business to launch.
To allow works to progress, the access ramp will be closed from Monday (October 25) for one week.
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The library will be closed from November 8 to December 3 as major work is carried out to the roof.
Details of other local libraries which can be used are available at www.oldham.gov.uk/libraries
Council leader and cabinet member for economic and social reform Arooj Shah said: “This is a really exciting project for Royton. Residents are rightly very proud of their town hall, so we’re delighted to see work begin to improve it and the library for the community.
“It’s something we’ve been committed to doing for a long time but couldn’t start during the pandemic. It’s great news that work has now started and the building will soon get a new lease of life.”
She said the historic building was being made accessible for all users and will become much more energy-efficient.
The 1960s rear extension will be demolished with the cleared area then landscaped to create a flagged area with seating.
The existing library area is being sub-divided into two distinct areas - the first, a newly created refurbished library area and, next to this, a commercial space which the council wants to rent to a local business or social enterprise such as a café or use 'complementary' to the library.
A reception desk will manage both the new library area and offices for council staff - which will extend to the ground floor of Royton Town Hall.
Upstairs in the town hall, the existing community room will be retained and revamped to offer an improved area for the community to use. The refurbishment will also include a platform lift, accessible toilet and kitchen area.
The whole building will also benefit from the installation of additional sustainability and energy efficiency measures to reduce its carbon footprint, as part of the council's Green New Deal - an ambitious target of the council becoming carbon neutral by 2025 followed by the whole borough by 2030.
The refurbished town hall is expected to be complete and fully open to the community later next year.
