Heritage centre plan to transform library

CHADDERTON Library could be transformed into a heritage centre showcasing the town’s history.

The lending service is to move from its current home in Middleton Road into a multi-million pound health and well being centre due to open in autumn 2009.

And Chadderton Historical Society is working with its vice-president, Councillor Colin McLaren, on proposals to turn part or all of the Carnegie library into a heritage centre.

The society has an extensive collection of historical items and the centre could include hands-on facilities such as an outreach centre for schools, a Victorian classroom, local studies, a library and a cafe.

A draft proposal has been drawn up and Councillor McLaren explained: “We are currently talking to Oldham regeneration about the possibility of developing part or all of what would become the former library into a heritage centre which would be run by the historical society, probably in partnership with other organisations.

“However, it is not as straight forward as it might seem. They will have to do a marketing exercise to see whether there are any expressions of interest from the commercial sector or any other sector for the building.”

A business plan is being drawn up and the idea of a peppercorn rent has been mooted. Talks are also being held with English Heritage about the possibility of a grant to carry out a feasibility study, while previous building surveys will be made available.

The initiative would tie in with the recommendations of the Government-backed Quirk Report which encourages local authorities to transfer assets to voluntary and community groups under a leasing or licensing agreement.

It is also hoped that the centre would help the historical society attract younger members. However, it would have to ensure it could sustain the operation and any paid staff.

Councillor McLaren thinks the financial climate may deter investors in the building at the moment.

He stressed that the creation of a heritage centre was far from certain, adding: “It is something the council is prepared to consider at this stage.

“ Obviously if the council gets an offer from the private sector it would have to give that serious consideration.

“It may well be possible for the society take the premises on a short-term licence depending on the outcome of the marketing exercise.

“The society appear keen to develop a heritage centre if not in this building, in another one.”

Historical society secretary Michael Lawson added: “We would love to use the building because we have so much stuff which is just locked away at the moment in different places. It should be on display”