Oldham's restored Old Library wins double at national construction awards

Delivered for Oldham Council by contractor Tilbury Douglas, the restoration has returned the 1883 building on Greaves Street to public use. Now named the J.R. Clynes Building, the 34,800 sq ft property reopened last August after remaining closed since 2017.

Judges praised the conservation-led approach that retained historic features such as original parquet flooring while introducing modern facilities. The scheme also incorporated a new glass lift to improve accessibility throughout the structure.

The building now serves as a multi-purpose facility housing a Council Chamber, the Mayor's Parlour, community meeting rooms, an art gallery on the second floor, a studio space for Oldham Theatre Workshop, and an outdoor community garden.

Local Supply Chain and Training

The judging panel highlighted that 75 per cent of the project's suppliers were based locally. The scheme also provided training opportunities for young people in heritage trades, supporting skills development and career progression.

Ellis Williams Architects, Curtins and a specialist supply chain worked alongside Tilbury Douglas and the local authority to complete the complex adaptation. The project previously won Regeneration Project of the Year at the Construction News Awards 2026 earlier in the summer.

James Kington, Director of Growth at Oldham Council, stated that winning the two awards was a proud moment for everyone involved in bringing the historic building back to life. He added that the regeneration preserved local heritage while creating a modern space for residents, community groups and visitors.

Kabir Salihi, Regional Director at Tilbury Douglas, noted that the project demonstrated the value of a collaborative approach to protecting heritage and delivering lasting community value. Gavin Pearson, editor of New Civil Engineer, praised the winners for setting new standards and having a positive impact on community health, wellbeing and prosperity.