Two of Oldham’s best used public venues to benefit from £560k-plus funding boost

Last year the two venues attracted more than 500,000 visitors between them

Oldham Council has been awarded £564,375 to modernise and improve the building that houses Gallery Oldham and central library.

The money will be used to improve the experience for visitors and also to upgrade systems that are more than 20 years old - minimising future maintenance and repair costs. 

Arts Council England (ACE) has given the money to pay for the two separate projects under the same roof.

Last year the two venues attracted more than 500,000 visitors between them.

The £287,375 from the Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND) will be used is to improve Gallery Oldham infrastructure and environmental performance.

The funding enables installation of a new Building Energy Management System and energy efficient lighting across all areas.

The result will be a more sustainable and environmentally friendly venue that provides for the needs of the collections and visitors.

The Library Improvement Fund (LIF) is used for upgrading libraries and technology to meet the changing needs of users.

The £277,000 the council has been awarded will be used to improve the layout and visitor offer.

It will provide more flexibility and allow an even wider range of uses for this already busy building.

Councillor Peter Dean, Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities and Culture, said: “Gallery Oldham and central library are two of our most important cultural buildings when it comes to visitor numbers.

“It’s really good news that we’ve received this funding to make sure they are user friendly and fit for purpose for years to come.”

The work is expected to begin later this year and is bound to lead to some short term disruption.

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