Additional funds and the appointment of a contractor to complete the refurbishment of Royton Town Hall have been approved after the project was stalled by soaring costs.

At an Oldham Council cabinet meeting on Monday members agreed that the works should be completed as “originally intended” despite the increased costs caused by inflation.

A report sent ahead of the meeting informed members that the “national impact” on the economy “post-Brexit, post-pandemic, and amid ongoing concerns linked to the conflict in Ukraine”, had impacted the construction industry meaning market conditions had “radically changed” during the procurement phase of the project.

Speaking at the meeting, Oldham Council leader Amanda Chadderton acknowledged the “long standing frustration” around the development that was on the agenda when she became a councillor 11 years ago in 2012 and is still yet to come to fruition.

She added: “It’s a building of huge local significance to us and we promised to restore it and we will restore it.

“Now that we have started work it’s crucial, we see it through to maintain and enhance this important part of our history and we look forward to welcoming the community back to a much-improved building for them to use as soon as work completes next March.”

Cllr Chadderton called for the cabinet to approve the additional funding and a contractor to get the project “back on track in the coming weeks” after the increase in cost was “rightly considered”.

Echoing her comments, Cllr Abdul Jabbar, deputy leader and cabinet member for finance and low carbon added: “It’s an iconic building and it’s much loved by people in Royton and the people of Oldham as well.

“I think if this report is approved then hopefully we can get it finished in time and the facilities can be enjoyed by everybody and we can bring an important land mark building back into use.”

So far, the clock tower’s copper roof has been repaired along with the clockface and the 1970s rear extension has been demolished.

A new rear wall is set to be constructed to complement the character and detail of the original buildings.

The cleared area will also be landscaped to create a new outdoor space with seating for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Inside, the buildings will be made fully accessible by adding lifts and improved facilities for people with disabilities – including a Changing Places toilet which contains adult-sized changing benches, curtains, hoists and space for carers.

The council says it will also alter the internal access between the town hall and library to make it easier to get between the two buildings.

A series of other internal improvements will be made including refurbishing the town hall meeting room to become an asset for the community to hire.