A landmark heritage building in Oldham town centre is now in the ownership of Oldham Council.
The council has used compulsory purchase powers to buy the Prudential Building, which is derelict.
The Grade II listed building is next to the Oldham Central Metrolink stop on Union Street and has been named by the Victorian Society as one of the most at risk buildings in the UK.
Built in 1889, the Prudential was designed by one of the Victorian period’s greatest architects, Alfred Waterhouse, whose other buildings include the Natural History Museum and Manchester Town Hall.
Oldham Council will now prioritise making the building safe before carrying out restoration works to return it to its original glory.
Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “I’m sure many people, like me, have been gutted to see the Prudential rotting away. This is a nationally important historic building at a key entrance into the town centre.
“It’s much-loved by Oldhamers and holds a lot of special memories – so I’m delighted that we have successfully saved it.
“We’ll breathe new life into it because we want to restore pride in this special building and the wider town centre.”
Cllr Shah added: “We tried for years to engage with the owner without any success. Unfortunately while the Prudential was in private ownership, we couldn’t take action – as much as we wanted to.
“We’ve continued to monitor the building and required urgent repairs to be carried out where there has been a risk to public safety, particularly as it’s yards from a very busy tram route. Beyond that statutory duty, our hands have been tied.
“The CPO process has taken over two years to complete and it’s been really frustrating that we couldn’t get on with things faster. It’s just one example of how national planning regulations impact local communities and why they need reviewing. I welcome the Government’s commitment to planning reforms to reduce red tape and kickstart the economy.
“Now the CPO is complete, we’ll quickly start work to prevent any further decay.
“The Prudential is a beautiful building in the heart of our town centre. We are lucky to have it in Oldham and it will soon be a welcome sight as you arrive in the town centre, not an eyesore.”
The Prudential, on Union Street, is one of many heritage buildings Oldham Council is investing in to ensure they are preserved for future generations.
