Grade-II listed Oldham archway set for repair works

Improvement works are set to be carried out on the archway, which served as the gateway to the former Blind Workshops on Frederick Street, near Werneth Park.

The works, which have been approved, will see the removal of vegetation and repairs to the stonework in order to secure its long-term future.

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The archway previously served as the entrance to the former Blind Workshops, which gave employment to blind women in the town.

The Blind Workshops were opened in 1897; however, the Grade-II listed archway was originally constructed as the entranceway to the stabling yard of the Platt House, which was built in 1850.

Platt House was one of the former "mill town mansion" residences associated with the Werneth Hall estate, with the land the archway leads to handed over to Oldham town in 1951.

It currently serves as an entrance to a number of residential properties, with Oldham Council now commissioning the repair works to be carried out.

According to planning documents, the archway is currently in "poor condition," with the works set to see major works done to the brickwork, including the removal of damaged bricks and part of the brickwork to be rebuilt.

Vegetation will also be removed, along with herbicide treatment to prevent further growth.

An Oldham Council planning officer said the works would "prevent ongoing deterioration and secure the long-term preservation of a Grade II listed structure currently exhibiting structural failure," which would deliver "significant" public benefits.