BDP wins Oldham Town Hall brief

MANCHESTER-based architectural practice BDP has been appointed to handle the refurbishment of Oldham’s Grade II-listed Old Town Hall.

The practice, which has also been chosen by Dransfield Properties to remodel Royton’s town centre, was chosen due to its conservation experience.

The Old Town Hall was built in three phases between 1850 and 1917 and has been identified as a priority project by Oldham Council. Work has already been carried out weather-proof the damaged building, and BDP will now assess a range of options before drawing up new plans for it.

Cllr Jim McMahon, leader of Oldham Council, said: “The Old Town Hall is one of our best known buildings but its condition means it is no longer the source of civic pride that it clearly should be.

“We are committed to looking at every option here.

”We’ve always said there will be no quick fix. By bringing BDP on board we will produce a workable scheme that would enable either the council or a developer to take on the building wholesale – or enter into a joint venture with us – safe in the knowledge of what they were taking on.

He added that the council’s vision was to deliver a family leisure destination at the site – “something similar to the atmosphere of Printworks in Manchester”.  

BDP architect director, Alan Davies, said: “Oldham’s Old Town Hall represents an important part of the town’s heritage, but because of its layout and historical features it is a difficult building to adapt. For many years it has defied efforts to bring it back into use and it has fallen into disrepair.

“We look forward to sharing our insight and knowledge, and aim to see the conservation and re-use of this historical landmark.”