Oldham Council has secured £1 million in funding to carry out essential conservation work on the Grade II listed Prudential building on Union Street, next to Oldham Central Metrolink stop.
The grant comes from The Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, delivered by Historic England and funded by the government's Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. The money will protect and preserve the landmark building while longer-term plans for its future are developed.
About the Building
The Prudential building was constructed in 1889 and designed by Alfred Waterhouse, the renowned Victorian architect who also created the Natural History Museum and Manchester Town Hall.
The building had fallen into disrepair and was identified by the Victorian Society as one of the UK's most at-risk historic buildings. Oldham Council used its compulsory purchase powers to acquire the derelict property in 2024, enabling restoration work to proceed.
Council's Heritage Investment
James Kington, Oldham Council's Director of Growth, said the funding was "fantastic news for our community" and would help protect "an important part of our heritage while we continue to explore opportunities for its long-term future."
The council highlighted this investment alongside the restoration of the J.R Clynes building, the former Old Library building which now houses the Council Chamber and Mayor's Parlour, as evidence of its commitment to bringing historic buildings back into use.
Louise Brennan, Director of Regions at Historic England, said historic buildings are "powerful assets for the communities around them" and that investment in buildings at risk can "unlock their potential, breathe new life into historic places and showcase what makes communities distinctive."
The Heritage at Risk Capital Fund will award up to £75 million over five years to 2030 to support historic places at risk across England, delivering urgent repairs, supporting jobs and skills, and bringing historic buildings back into productive use.
