Oldham’s Old Town Hall Plans Approved

BDP’s plans to transform the Old Town Hall into a cinema have been given the go-ahead by Oldham Council, bringing life back to the empty Victorian building after years of neglect.

The planning committee unanimously approved the ambitious £10m plans to convert the derelict Grade II listed building into an eight-screen 1,000 seat complex with high end restaurants and cafes.

The development will ensure certain architectural features and decorations are retained while allowing the building to have a new use. The existing ballroom, council chamber, committee rooms and court rooms will be kept and transformed into the cinema screens, while a new extension with a glass light-box will create a new facade on Clegg Street.

Architect Alan Davies told the meeting: “It's not an easy building to bring back into use with lots of small rooms, corridors and different levels. To get to this stage a considerable number of issues were considered but this was the best solution for the building and the town as a whole.”

“This will link the town hall back into the town centre while conserving the best of the town hall. The plans are widely supported by the public and this is an important milestone bringing it back into use and securing its future in the long run.”

Councillor John Hudson said: “This is a very imaginative scheme that is long overdue. Our duty as a council is to do everything we can to make it happen and think everyone in Oldham will welcome it.”

Work is expected to start on site next year, with the town hall opening to the public by 2014.