Report - The Prudential Assurance Building - Oldham - May 2024

[tomvandutch]

The listed building was built in 1889. It is just one of many designed by an architect in 1889 and built by the company across the UK. Although they varied in style, almost all were built of red brick and terracotta, like this one. A total of 27 buildings were planned and constructed.

The building was closed in 2002 and has fallen into disrepair ever since.
Inside the three-story building - with a basement and an attic - the interior was lavishly appointed, including ornate plaster ceilings, terracotta tiles, wood paneling and opulent fireplaces to impress potential clients of the day. Some of it can still be admired today.

For some time there was a club in the basement.
The company that had the building built and used it still exists today.


In 2020 the Victorian Society listed it as one of the most endangered buildings of its time.


It is now set to be renovated for £8.6m and will house offices, co-working space and meeting rooms in the future. A cafe is planned on the ground floor.

The project should actually be completed in October 2024. However, in May 2024 there was no sign of any construction work.

 

[The Young One]

I like the look of them tiles

 

[Natah-X]

Another great report! The tilework, architechture and especially the overgrown courtyard are stunning! While I'm slightly dissapointed that I'll probably never get to see it for myself, It's good that it wont be left to rot. It deserves some TLC.

 

[Mikeymutt]

Blimey that's a blast from the last, thought it was long gone. Visited it about eight years ago. Shame about the graffiti as was none in there.

 

[Bikin Glynn]

Good to see that again

 

[Calamity Jane]

Love the update. Its so extravagant but in a good way 👍

 

[GRONK]

Not seen this one pop up for some time, nicely captured.

Glad to hear it’ll be saved

 

[mookster]

I'll never forget my visit here, which featured the noisy antics of a group of five or six drunk 14 year olds running around the upper floors at midday on a Saturday. Oldham never fails to surprise you.

 

[HughieD]

Good to see this pop up again. Top work.

 

[Stevoid]

Good stuff that mate, amazing how good the place looks with decent lighting. The pics I got were terrible, especially in the basement club were it was almost pitch black. I used to frequent this nightclub over 20 years ago in my late teens..It was called 'Rennies' back then, so it was a weird feeling being in there when I explored it.