The restored former Old Library building was among the big winners at the Construction News Awards 2026.
The landmark Grade II-listed building on Greaves Street won Regeneration Project of the Year at the awards, to recognise outstanding achievements from across the UK construction sector.
The building underwent extensive redevelopment by partners Tilbury Douglas and was reopened last August as a vibrant civic and cultural hub, bringing it back into public use for the first time since 2017.
Dating back to 1883, the 34,800 sq ft Old Library served as a cornerstone of community life for over 130 years before being replaced by the Oldham Library and Lifelong Learning Centre in 2006.
It now features a Council Chamber and Mayor’s Parlour, meeting rooms for civic and community use, a beautifully restored art gallery on the second floor, a studio for Oldham Theatre Workshop, and a community garden that will also host public events throughout the year.
Oldham Council's Director of Growth James Kington said: "This national award is a fantastic achievement and a proud moment for everyone involved in bringing the J.R. Clynes Building back to life.
"The regeneration of this historic landmark has preserved an important part of Oldham’s heritage while creating a modern civic and cultural space that will serve residents, community groups and visitors for generations to come.
“Working closely with our partners at Tilbury Douglas, we have transformed a building that had stood empty for several years into a vibrant hub at the heart of the borough.
"Winning Regeneration Project of the Year is recognition of the vision, collaboration and expertise that made this complex restoration possible, and underlines our commitment to investing in Oldham’s historic assets and town centre.”