Last look at library

Transformation Tour of the Old Oldham Gallery.

4 More Image(s) In Gallery

LUCKY residents were given the chance to tour Oldham's historic library and get a last glimpse of the building's interior before transformation work begins.

Nearly 200 people took the behind the scenes tour of the Grade II-Listed building on Saturday before it is handed over to contractors for extensive survey work.

The former library will be renovated and restored ready to house a new heritage and arts centre, linked with Gallery Oldham, Library and Lifelong Learning Centre.

Visitors were able to share their memories of the old building as they found out more about the development project.

The Victorian library, which is currently vacant, will be brought back into use to house the borough's local studies, archives, museum and arts and heritage learning, all run by the Oldham Council's heritage service from six buildings throughout the town.

The redevelopment includes an educational workshop area, a cafe/bar, restaurant, meeting facilities, heritage and art galleries and the local studies centre with archive storage and public search rooms. A 19th century lecture hall will also be fully renovated to host a variety of events.