Oldham Town Centre has been identified as among one of the heritage sites identified in the North West as being at risk.
Historic England (formerly known as English Heritage) has compared all sites on the Heritage at Risk Register, from domestic buildings, to protected wrecks, archaeological ruins to industrial sites and places of worship, to help us better understand which types are most at risk.
However, Oldham Council is welcoming Historic England’s agreement to place the Oldham Town Centre Conservation Area on its latest annual “at risk” register.
The move will give the local authority new access to specialist advice, expert help and funding sources in its bid to revive the fortunes of a series of important local structures.
Last month the council approved a new four-phase programme setting out robust plans to deliver a Heritage Centre and Coliseum Theatre over a ten year period.
This also widened the original project remit to look at how other heritage assets in the town centre, such as the Lyceum, Local Studies and old Museum buildings, can be saved and find viable future uses.
Following detailed assessments by officers, the need to bring empty buildings back into use was identified within the conservation area. Prominent buildings with listed status on Union Street were assessed with both Oldham Council and Historic England recognising the need for action, starting with the inclusion of the area on the Heritage at Risk register.
A major regeneration programme is currently underway in Oldham town centre which seeks to support businesses and breathe new life into existing heritage assets like the Old Town Hall – but there are obvious challenges associated with encouraging developers to come forward for larger and older structures.
Jim McMahon, Oldham Council Leader, said: “We approached Historic England to seek their support in highlighting the condition of the town’s important heritage buildings.”
“We’ve long said that our heritage must be the foundation of our regeneration programme and getting this area added to the “at risk” register is about doing everything we can to protect and preserve those assets.
“Historic England has been supportive of our efforts throughout this process and their assistance will be invaluable. They understand the challenges facing historic buildings better than anyone and have an excellent track record of helping proactive partners to tackle them.”
Darren Ratcliffe, Historic Places Adviser at Historic England, said: “Oldham town centre joins 24 other conservation areas at risk across Greater Manchester, most falling within town centres impacted in recent years by retail and market changes occurring within high streets.”
“Town centres with conservation areas at risk in Greater Manchester include Rochdale, Bury, Ashton, Bolton, Altrincham, Stockport, Wigan and Salford, the decline of the high street is however a national issue.
“At the heart of Oldham lies a rich architectural heritage and the people of Oldham have recently made great strides to tackle buildings at risk in their town. Enterprising projects such as the restoration and conversion of the old town hall and the grade II* George St Chapel by Age UK, demonstrate how historic buildings can be adapted to provide cultural, community, environmental and economic benefits as part of a coherent plan to re-energise town centres.”
The Heritage at Risk programme aims to understand the overall state of England’s heritage by assessing each of its different components. Its purpose is to establish a clear understanding of the state of heritage across England – and provide useful evidence to Government on common risks themes and issues.
Since when as Oldham become some suburb of Manchester? we can fight our own battles thanks very and would rather our town plummet in to a 400 foot sink hole than become part of Manchester. Cheers.