Plans approved to turn iconic Prudential Building into offices and return it to its 'former splendour'
manchestereveningnews.co.ukPlans to return Oldham’s iconic 134-year-old Prudential Building to its ‘former splendour’ have been supported unanimously by councillors.
The Victorian building on Union Street was compulsory purchased by the local authority after it agreed last March to bring it back into use as part of the Future High Street Fund programme.
At a meeting of the planning committee on Wednesday night, councillors agreed proposals to repair both the inside and outside of ‘The Pru’ and transform it into a ’21st century incubator facility’ for businesses, focusing on the creative, digital, and media sectors. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to bring the building back into active use,” planning officer Martyn Leigh told the meeting.
The building will be refurbished to create private and open co-working spaces, an event space, a café, and a lounge. The Grade-Two listed building was designed by legendary architect Alfred Waterhouse, the master of the Victorian Gothic revival style who is best known for designing Manchester Town Hall and the Natural History Museum. READ MORE: Road closures and Metrolink works to cause traffic chaos in Manchester this weekend But after more than a decade of standing empty, in 2020 the town centre building next to the Oldham Central Metrolink stop was placed on the Victorian Society’s list of most endangered buildings.
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