Oldham building among Victorian Society's top 10 most endangered buildings list

The ex-Prudential Assurance Company Offices on Union Street

The Victorian society has announced the most endangered buildings across the country and a building in Oldham is among them.

The Ex-Prudential Assurance Company Offices is Grade II-listed and was built in 1889.

It was designed by Alfred Waterhouse who also designed the Natural History museum and the Town Hall in Manchester. He's often described as the one of the Victorian period's greatest architects.

This particular building remains empty and un-maintained. The Victorian Society says this means it's deteriorating. 

They're calling for a conservation-led regeneration scheme.

Griff Rhys Jones, Victorian Society President said:

"Oldham is a town with a rich heritage and huge potential for regeneration, potential which the Council has really begun to engage with.

"The ‘Pru’ is such a prominent building that a scheme to return it to use could kick-start heritage-based regeneration in Oldham Town Centre.

"We strongly urge the local authority to put pressure on the owner to pursue a scheme of reuse, and if necessary to consider enforcement action or compulsory purchase."

Cllr Sean Fielding, Council Leader and Cabinet member for Economy and Skills, said: “The Prudential building is one of many historically important buildings in Oldham town centre. We’re currently in discussions with the owner about repairs to the building and how it can be brought back into use for the future.”

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