Royton Town Hall & Library – Heritage Refurbishment
Project Overview Barlows was appointed to deliver the full MEP installation for the comprehensive refurbishment of Royton Town Hall and Library, a landmark Victorian building in Royton, Oldham.
This major restoration project, led by Oldham Council and completed in 2024, brought the historic structure back to its former glory while transforming it into a modern, multi-functional community hub. Works included remodelling internal spaces, creating a new-look library, enhanced community rooms, commercial space, improved entrance foyer, and a new external garden area. Key heritage elements—such as the clock tower, copper roof, ornate plasterwork, Lincrusta wall coverings, and other period features—were carefully preserved and restored.
The project balanced the challenges of integrating contemporary building services into a heritage asset, ensuring full compliance with modern standards (including energy efficiency, accessibility, fire safety, and building regulations) without compromising the building’s historical character.
Key Challenges and Heritage Focus Upgrading a Victorian-era building presented significant technical and logistical challenges:
- Concealing and routing modern MEP systems (mechanical ventilation, heating, electrical distribution, lighting, plumbing, and data infrastructure) within original fabric and ornate interiors
- Protecting and working around sensitive period features, including high ceilings, decorative mouldings, historic windows, and restored elements like the clock tower and roof
- Minimising disruption during works while maintaining partial operational use or temporary relocations (e.g., library services moved to nearby premises during key phases)
- Achieving energy-efficient, low-impact solutions suitable for a public building with community and commercial functions
Delivery and Collaboration Barlows worked in close partnership with Oldham Council (client and end user), the main contractor (Seddon), heritage specialists, and design teams to deliver a sympathetic yet fully compliant MEP package.
Emphasis was placed on:
- Discreet installation techniques to preserve aesthetic integrity
- Careful coordination during strip-out, structural repairs, and reinstatement
- Phased programming to align with heritage approvals and council priorities
- Proactive communication to ensure the finished building met modern operational needs (e.g., improved comfort, lighting, and accessibility) while honouring its Victorian heritage
The project successfully uncovered and restored hidden treasures, enhancing the building’s pride-of-place status in the community.
Outcome Royton Town Hall and Library officially reopened in September 2024 following the landmark restoration, receiving widespread community acclaim for revitalising a much-loved local asset. The building now offers enhanced facilities—including a refreshed library, flexible community spaces, and commercial areas—while retaining its authentic historical charm.
This successful delivery demonstrates Barlows’ expertise in heritage-sensitive MEP refurbishments, delivering modern, compliant systems in listed or period buildings through meticulous planning, collaboration, and respect for architectural significance.
Client: Oldham Council Main Contractor: Seddon Location: Royton, Oldham, Greater Manchester Scope: Full MEP installation for heritage refurbishment of Town Hall and Library Completion: 2024 (building reopened September 2024)
