Acting as Lead Consultant, Architect, Conservation Architect and Landscape Architect, we guided the project from early strategic briefing through to delivery. We also supported the Council client‑side as Technical Advisors, helping refine the evolving brief, manage stakeholder engagement and ensure the project remained aligned with budget, programme and long‑term civic ambitions.

The result is a renewed community asset that celebrates Oldham’s heritage while providing flexible, modern spaces for culture, democracy and public life.

For more than 130 years, the Old Library served as a cornerstone of community life. A place where generations learnt to read, explored new ideas and connected with their town’s heritage. After closing in 2017, the building fell into disrepair, with urgent restoration required to protect its legacy.

The Council’s initial ambition was to create a new museum and archive (OMA). As the project evolved, a strategic review highlighted the need for new civic and democratic facilities in the town centre. Ellis Williams led a major redesign to integrate these new functions while retaining key cultural and community elements.

The transformation of the historic building now offers a beautifully restored Council Chamber and Mayor’s Parlour, versatile civic and community meeting rooms, inspiring studio spaces for Oldham Theatre Workshop, a stunning refurbished art gallery and landscaped public gardens.

This multi‑functional mix ensures the building remains active throughout the day and evening, supporting culture, creativity and civic participation.

Restoring a building of this age and significance required deep respect for its history and craftsmanship. Our in‑house RIBA Conservation Architect worked closely with the Council, Conservation Officer and specialist contractors to protect and enhance the building’s character.

The restoration focused on safeguarding the building’s historic fabric through a full roof replacement using original tiles where possible, careful cleaning and repair of the external stonework, and the preservation of its distinctive relief sculptures. Inside, original Victorian features were protected and sensitively integrated with discreet modern services and digital infrastructure, ensuring the building’s long‑term sustainability while retaining its heritage character. The result is a building that feels both authentically historic and confidently contemporary.

This collaborative approach ensured the final building reflects the needs and aspirations of its diverse users.

The reopening of the J.R. Clynes Building marks a major milestone in Oldham’s regeneration delivering a new civic heart for Oldham. The building now stands as a symbol of civic pride, creativity and opportunity a place where residents can gather, learn, perform, participate in democracy and celebrate their town’s heritage.

It is a project that demonstrates the power of sensitive restoration combined with forward‑looking design, ensuring this landmark continues to serve Oldham for generations to come.