THE transformation of Royton Town Hall is set to get underway towards the end of this year with completion expected by June 2022, if plans are approved.

The project is part of Oldham’s Creating a Better Place strategy that aims to boost regeneration across the borough and support its recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Proposals to refurbish the existing library and community room and create offices, a new library area, commercial space and reception desk are due to be discussed by Oldham Council’s cabinet on Monday, July 26.

The existing library is set to be sub-divided into two distinct areas. The first will form a refurbished library area and next to this, a commercial space will be made with the potential to be rented to a local business or social enterprise such as a café.

Upstairs in the town hall, the existing community room will be revamped to offer an improved area for the community to use. The refurbishment will include a platform lift, accessible toilet and kitchen area.

Plans to demolish the building’s 1960s rear extension are also included within the proposals, with the cleared area set to be landscaped to create a flagged area with seating.

The building is going to be made accessible for all users and become more energy efficient to support Oldham Council’s commitment to becoming the greenest borough in Greater Manchester.

The installation of additional sustainability and energy efficiency measures within the building will aim to reduce its carbon footprint, as part of the council’s Green New Deal - a target for the council to become carbon neutral by 2025 followed by the whole borough in 2030.

Cllr Arooj Shah, council leader and cabinet member for economic and social reform, said: “Royton Town Hall and Library is at the heart of Royton, and we have been committed to improving it for the community for some time.

“While we would’ve loved work to begin sooner, the onset of the coronavirus pandemic meant that we had to focus our efforts as a council on frontline services and supporting those most in need. We also formally reviewed the programme in Autumn 2020 to reflect on the financial impact Covid-19 was having.

“But Royton Town Hall remained a priority and Royton councillors have been pushing for it to progress, so we’re pleased to now be able to move forward with our vision for the building and will ensure work gets started before the end of this year.”