Works to demolish the rear extensions of Royton Town Hall and Library have begun as part of plans to transform the buildings.

Oldham Council is refurbishing the Victorian venues, bringing them back to their former glory and providing an improved space for the community to use.

The £2.4 million project began last year with works already underway to renew the clock tower's copper roof and repair the clock faces.

Over the coming weeks, the 1970s rear extensions will be demolished with the cleared area then landscaped to create a new outdoor space with seating.  

Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: "Royton Town Hall and Library are much-loved and we are proud to be revamping them for the benefit of residents.

"The project will breathe new life into the buildings while celebrating their original design and heritage. It will also make them accessible for the whole community by adding lifts and improved facilities for people with disabilities."

Cllr Hannah Roberts, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, added: "We have been committed to improving the town hall and library for a long time and are delighted to be now hitting these project milestones.

"Thank you to Trinity Methodist Church, which is providing a temporary home to Royton Library while the works take place.

"We look forward to welcoming people into the much-improved buildings early next year."

The council says the buildings will be stripped back to show and preserve as much of the original decoration and features as possible.

Following demolition of the extension at the rear, a new rear wall will be constructed to complement the character and detail of the original buildings.

A series of internal improvements will also be made including the town hall meeting room which will be refurbished to become an asset for the community to hire.

Further alterations include improved internal access between the town hall and library, fully accessible toilet provision and a platform lift to ensure buildings are suitably accessible to the community.

Plans for the redevelopment have been developed by architects Kepczyk Pearce Sanderson.

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