Town hall plans go on show in Failsworth

NEW plans for the refurbishment of Failsworth Town Hall will go on show to the public next week.

A special drop-in event will be held on Monday (3-8pm) at the Failsworth Lifelong Learning Centre, Failsworth Precinct, Manchester Road, so residents can view the proposals.

Oldham Council officers and architects will be on hand to answer questions and take feedback.

The Town Hall is more than a century old but has lain vacant for several years and became a target for vandals. Refurbishment began last month and is scheduled for completion in early March, 2011.

This work is part of a major regeneration scheme to bring new community facilities, shops and employment to Failsworth.

When complete, the hall will accommodate a range of existing and new community facilities including the library service (to relocate from Main Street) and the Lifelong Learning service, which will move from its existing site on Sisson Street.

The Town Hall will also house a function room, available for hire by the public, and possibly a café.

Councillor John McCann, cabinet member for regeneration and environment, said: “This is a very exciting regeneration project for Failsworth but it cannot succeed without the input of local residents. I would urge anyone with an interest in this to attend the session on June 14.

“You will be able to find out more about the services and facilities that will be on offer at the new community centre — and tell us exactly what you think of the plans.”

As part of the wider scheme, it is proposed that a new retail development will also be built at North Bank, adjacent to the Rochdale Canal.

The existing Lifelong Learning centre on Sisson Street will be demolished and seven new shop units — plus an Aldi, drive-through KFC, associated car parking and landscaping works — will be constructed.