Old Town Hall treasures could be restored

PIECE of history . . . the chandelier dating from 1913 and (below) Councillor McMahon with the crest that hung in the Old Town Hall courtroom

ORIGINAL furniture from the former Oldham town hall will be brought back to life when the building reopens as a cinema in 2016.

A 1913 chandelier, original curved tables and benches from the old council chamber, ornate radiator covers and three throne-like chairs and other items have been removed for safekeeping, and some may be restored and returned to the building, which will house seven screens and several restaurants and cafes.

Council leader Jim McMahon, who looked at the rescued items, said: “The things recovered aren’t just pieces of furniture, they are part of Oldham’s heritage and deserve to be brought back to their original glory.

“We have a responsibility to make sure the job is done right. Conversion projects like this need to be done sympathetically so original features can sit alongside modern elements.”

Items that can’t be used within the cinema will be offered to other projects within Oldham and some may be used in the new Youth Council Chamber at the Civic Centre.”