Decision details

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director, Place and Economic Growth, which advised members that the existing community garden located outside Oldham Library and Gallery Oldham would be subject to damage and changing levels as part of the refurbishment works to the Old Library and Old Post Office buildings, as the Council continues to deliver projects to bring both heritage buildings back into public use. This would also apply to the footways and carriageway as construction vehicles access the area on a more regular basis, and part of the area is used as a compound for important materials needed in close proximity to the buildings.  

The Executive Director’s report sought to outline proposals to reinstate the community garden and improve access routes to the cultural facilities in this area to ensure the green space is enhanced and valuable outdoor space is created, some of which can be used for events and performances. 

The report sought approval to fund the replacement/reinstatement of the community garden area, to create a new public green space and reflection area, to create a new open air event space, and to improve the pedestrian and vehicular access routes in the Cultural Quarter of the town centre (i.e. the immediate areas by Oldham Library, Gallery Oldham, the Old Library building and the Old Post Office Building, located off Union Street). 

The report was also seeking to obtain approval for the submission of a planning application and a highway stopping up order in respect of the proposals.

The Executive Director reported that culture and heritage were critical elements, which members of the public had asked the Council to enhance and protect during the Big Oldham Town Centre Conversation, that was held two years ago. This feedback had influenced and shaped the Creating a Better Place Programme of works, which included where possible bringing the borough’s heritage buildings back into public use for future generations to enjoy.

Options/alternatives considered:

Option 1 – to approve the recommendations contained in the commercially sensitive information contained at item 19.

Option 2 – do nothing.

Resolved:

That the Cabinet would consider the commercially sensitive information contained at item 19 of the agenda before making a decision.