MAJOR improvements and upgrades to transform Royton Town Hall have been revealed by Oldham Council.

The work, which could start in April next year, is the long-awaited next step in regeneration of Royton and the council’s commitment to redeveloping services in the district.

Royton Library will move from its current home to the ground floor of Royton Town Hall on Rochdale Road.

The new home will also provide meeting rooms and office space alongside the preservation of the building’s historic features.

The plans also include remodelled open space at the back of the building, better disabled access and improved connectivity between the library, health centre and leisure centre.

The vacated library building, which is next to the town hall, will then be marketed as an attractive centrally-located commercial opportunity.

Jean Stretton, Oldham Council leader, said: “This is excellent news for Royton and part of our long-standing commitment to improving the area for residents, partners and community groups

“The area has seen some positive improvements in recent years – like the fantastic new Royton sports centre and the district centre - but we must not stand still, despite our budget challenges.

“Our libraries are a hugely-important community asset and our continued investment in them demonstrates how valuable they are to residents.

“We’re ensuring Royton has a library fit for the 21st century and residents can look forward to having one with much improved facilities.

“This is a scheme that better meets the needs of the area, and also opens up the prospect of an exciting new use for the former library building.

“I thank ward councillors for their patience and for keeping this issue on the agenda.”

Royton Town Hall’s current occupants – Oldham Council’s District Team and Police Community Support Officers – will remain in the building while the work is taking place and there will be minimum disruption to services.

Occupants and community groups that currently use the building will be consulted before work takes place to understand their requirements and opportunities for residents to give their feedback on the proposals will be announced in the coming weeks.