New Oldham Gallery opened

Designed by architects Pringle Richards Sharratt and Arup, the new Oldham Gallery building opened in February. It features large open-plan spaces and a top floor exhibition hall and function space. The building incorporates several environmental design features, including the maximisation of thermal mass to moderate the conditions within the galleries and other spaces.

Arup employed a multidisciplinary approach encompassing ground remediation and stabilisation, geotechnical, structural and services engineering to transform the former gas works site. The remedial works and structural design culminated in the placement of the new building to accommodate the positions of existing services and structures below ground, including the large gas holder foundations.

The gallery is the first phase of the development of the cultural quarter in Oldham. The existing gallery will become offices serving the new development, linked via a high-level bridge.