Town hall revamp is a work of art

Photo: Darren Robinson

THE old staircase.

5 More Image(s) In Gallery

OLDHAM'S new cinema complex opens at the Old Town Hall tomorrow - and our exclusive pictures show the dramatic transformation the Grade II-listed building has undergone.

The before and after shots, two years apart, show the work that has gone into refurbishing the once neglected building and its brand new look that will make Oldham proud.

Heritage features and contemporary design have been blended together to preserve the past and welcome the modern in a £37 million restoration.

Original features, including the grand staircase, doors, floors and artwork have been preserved, repaired and restored to be featured throughout the building, including in the corridors and cinema screens. Cinema-goers will be able to enjoy films inside auditoria set into the town hall's original rooms, including the ballroom and former court houses.

Final preparations for the seven-screen Odeon cinema and Costa cafe are being completed ahead of a grand public opening tomorrow night.

Six new restaurants ­- Nandos, Gourmet Burger Kitchen and Loungers ­- are set to open later this year, with the other three to be announced soon.