Old town hall put in the pictures

Oldham Town Hall: work has now begun on the glass addition seen in this artist’s impression. The real building is currently completely shrouded

WORK to transform the former Oldham town hall into a seven-screen cinema complex has entered a new phase.

Engineers have now almost finished drying out the building, securing the facade and safeguarding key heritage features. The next phase will concentrate on the Clegg Street side of the building which is to make way for a unique glass extension. Workers have started removing chimneys and slates, roof trusses and the upper storeys of the wall in preparation.

The new extension will give access to the various floors of the cinema and will be the frontage of new restaurants opening on a new public square.

When complete, the iconic building will house an 800-seat cinema, run by Odeon, six restaurants and a cafe.

Council leader Jim McMahon said: “Visitors to Oldham town centre will notice significant changes to the Old Town Hall site and increasing activity in the coming months.”