£1 million awarded for essential works at historic Prudential building

The council has confirmed it has secured £1m from The Heritage at Risk Capital Fund to protect and preserve the historic Prudential building next to Oldham Central Metrolink.

Located ton Union Street, the Grade II listed building was built in 1889, desgned by one of the Victorian period’s most renowned architects, Alfred Waterhouse, whose other buildings include the Natural History Museum and Manchester Town Hall.

In 2024, the council used its compulsory purchase powers to buy the derelict building, which had been identified by the Victorian Society as one of the UK’s most at-risk historic buildings, paving the way for its restoration.

The £1m grant will fund vital works to protect and preserve the landmark Prudential building while longer-term plans for its future are developed.

Oldham Council’s Director of Growth James Kington said: “Securing this £1 million investment from Historic England is fantastic news for our community.

“These essential works will help to protect an important part of our heritage while we continue to explore opportunities for its long-term future.

“We are grateful to Historic England for recognising the significance of the Prudential building and supporting our efforts to preserve this important landmark.”

Louise Brennan, Director of Regions, Historic England, said: “Historic buildings are an important part of what gives places across England their character and identity, and they can be powerful assets for the communities around them.

“By investing in buildings at risk, we have an opportunity not only to protect important heritage, but to unlock their potential, breathe new life into historic places and showcase what makes communities distinctive.

“This funding will support urgent conservation needs while helping projects move towards sustainable futures, whether through continued use, new uses or bringing valued buildings back into active use.

“We are pleased to support projects across England that demonstrate how investment in heritage can help create stronger, more distinctive and more vibrant places for the future.”

The Heritage at Risk Capital Fund grant programme will award up to £75 million over five years, to 2030, to support historic places at risk

These projects will deliver urgent repairs, support jobs and skills, and bring historic buildings back into productive use for their communities.