Oldham's historic Old Library has been named Regeneration Project of the Year at the Construction News Awards 2026, a national recognition for the restoration of the Grade II-listed building.

The former library on Greaves Street, now known as the J.R. Clynes Building, reopened last August after extensive work by construction partner Tilbury Douglas. It had been closed since 2017, but is now a civic and cultural hub for the borough.

Built in 1883, the 34,800-square-foot building was Oldham's main library for over 130 years until the opening of the Oldham Library and Lifelong Learning Centre in 2006.

Today, the restored building houses Oldham Council's Council Chamber and Mayor's Parlour, community meeting rooms, a restored art gallery, a studio for Oldham Theatre Workshop, and a community garden that will host events throughout the year.

James Kington, Oldham Council's Director of Growth, said: "This national award is a fantastic achievement and a proud moment for everyone involved in bringing the J.R. Clynes Building back to life."

"The regeneration of this historic landmark has preserved an important part of Oldham's heritage while creating a modern civic and cultural space that will serve residents, community groups and visitors for generations to come."

Kington added: "Working closely with our partners at Tilbury Douglas, we have transformed a building that had stood empty for several years into a vibrant hub at the heart of the borough. Winning Regeneration Project of the Year is recognition of the vision, collaboration and expertise that made this complex restoration possible, and underlines our commitment to investing in Oldham's historic assets and town centre."

The award from the Construction News Awards 2026 recognises outstanding achievements across the UK's construction industry, including Oldham's success in heritage-led regeneration.

For local residents, the J.R. Clynes Building offers facilities for community use, arts and civic activities, as part of the town centre's revival. The community garden is expected to host events throughout the year.

This recognition follows other awards for Oldham's regeneration, such as the Spindles redevelopment winning the BCO Northern Innovation Award. The old library's transformation is part of the borough's efforts to revitalise its historic assets and town centre.