Council backs community-led revival of Werneth Park Music Rooms but future steps unclear

Oldham Council has backed a motion for a community-led regeneration of the historic Werneth Park Music Rooms but supporters of the plan feel uncertain about what happens next.

While the move has been welcomed by local campaigners and supporters of the plan they remain uncertain of the council's next steps as no clear timeline or concrete action has yet been outlined.

The motion, proposed by Werneth Councillors Nyla Ibrahim and seconded by Councillor  Shoab Akhtar, outlines a pathway to restore the derelict building and transform it into a vibrant cultural hub for the borough. 

Cllr Ibrahim said: “The Werneth Park Music Rooms is a treasured part of Oldham’s Victorian heritage.  

“By bringing this motion forward we are signalling our commitment to preserving the building and delivering a sustainable community asset that will benefit residents for generations.” 

Pictured above: The once beautiful building before it deteriorated.

Cllr Akhtar (pictured below) explained: “Our residents have long called for the restoration of the Music Rooms. This motion asks the council to back a community‑driven plan, secure Heritage Lottery Fund support and consider a conditional asset transfer that will ensure the site remains in local hands.” 

Applicant Barinur Rashid, who is interested in the regeneration of the music rooms, said the venue previously played host to weddings and many events for the community and now his priority was to bring it back to similar status. 

He explained: “The building was gifted to the council for community use and now we’ve had an ongoing battle with the council for five years to bring the building back to use.  

“The building closed in 2001 and all we want to do is work in partnership with the council to prevent the building from deteriorating further but now this seems a challenge. It’s a community asset, and we are not asking the council for funding as we can get that from the National Heritage Fund.” 

Another resident, Mohammed Dawood, of Frederick Street, who lives adjacent to the music rooms said he could see the building from his bedroom window (pictured below) and described it as a ‘complete eyesore’. 

Pictured above: All gated up as the building rapidly deteriorates.

He said: “The building is open to vandalism and every second or third day, there a youths on top of the roof which is very dangerous and unsafe.  

“The members of the public are constantly asking them to get down. Sometimes they are sat there until 10pm. 

“It used to be a nice venue. The council said they would put money aside, but nothing has been done. It has been going on for 20 years.”  

Oldham Council was contacted for a statement, but one was not received. 

The Key points of the motion which were approved at the full council are as follow: 

Recognise the historic significance of the Grade II listed Music Rooms and their long‑standing community use. 

Notes the building has been derelict since 2001, incurring an annual maintenance cost of approximately £125,025. 

Highlights strong local support, including backing from MPs, museum trustees and residents, and interest from Heritage Lottery Fund officials. 

Proposes a financially sustainable, not‑for‑profit community heritage project delivering a curated exhibition space, community tea room and multipurpose events venue. 

Requests council support for funding applications to the Arts Heritage Fund and Heritage Lottery Fund (grant range £100,000 – £5 million). 

Seeks agreement in principle for a conditional community asset transfer of the Music Rooms, contingent on successful funding, with a 99‑year lease including council and resident representation. 

Calls for consideration of an additional council building as an in‑kind contribution to support community consultation and organisational development. 

Asks officers to work with the community organisation and the Greater Manchester Building Preservation Trust to ensure robust governance and to report back within 6–12 months on feasibility, funding progress and asset‑transfer arrangements.