Streetwise Magazine, Milnrow & Newhey, March 2014 | Page 38

Local Architecture - HEYWOOD TOWN CENTRE
Each of the small towns which surround Oldham
and Rochdale are endowed with architectural
gems. Although they lack the scale and grandeur
of buildings such as Rochdale Town Hall or
Oldham Parish Church they still provide interest
and character which help to enhance their towns.

Turning right along Taylor Street brings us on the
right to the former Health Offices of 1933. Of 5 bays,
the centre of stone and the outer of red brick with
stone sills, lintels and plinth. Spoiled now by UPVC
windows and a hideous UPVC door and frame.
Continue now to Market Street. Opposite, on the
corner, notice the angled doorway and the blind niche
This occasional series of articles commences with a
at first floor level. Turn left down Market Street and on
look around Heywood Town Centre.
the right the 1930,s former store now the Edwin
We start our walk at Church Place behind the parish
Waugh public house in buff ashlar with centre bays
church of St Luke's of 1862 with its 'Oxford Movement' prominent.
architectural style and geometric window tracery Call Next the former Reform Club of 1882. Of three bays
in the church if possible to see the fine Victorian
and two storeys, the centre having an angular oriel
stained glass
window and pediment. The outer bays with tripartite
Cross Church Street to reach the Central Library of
windows once allowing access to a narrow balcony. All
1905. In ashlar stone of 3 bays. The outer bays are bay now rather sad and in a poor state of repair.
windows, the centre bay a doorway with arched roof
and statutory supported by six ionic columns. Above
the doorway a large pediment inclosing attic windows.
The frontage is spoiled by incongruous modern brick
access ramps and steps.

Next, the Memorial Park with its sombre War
memorial. A single bronze figure of a mourning
woman, head bowed holding a single wreath mounted
on a plinth with paired wreathed coat of arms. Behind
her a tower which ends are subdued crosses.
Across Hind Hill Street is the former police station and
magistrates courts of 1936 now sympathetically
converted. Of two storeys, the central bays are
rusticated stone with main doorway and above a
balcony accessed by french doors. A coat-of-arms
above the arched lintel. The mid bays are brick with
stone detail and the outer bays are of brick. The whole
composition has balance and grace.

owner to tastefully restore this now sad building. At
the corner of Pilsworth Road we find The Brick House.
This pub has been empty for years but now is under
restoration which will hopefully restore the building to
its former glory. Unfortunately since writing this
article white UPVC windows have been installed which
if allowed to remain will certainly spoil the finished
look.
Of red brick with a deep stone plinth, rusticated

quoins, balustrade and window detailing. Three
unique terracotta friezes run at ground floor lintel,
first floor sill and below the cornice levels. The fine
detailing sets this building apart and if restored well it
will be a treasure for the future. Returning now along
Market Street a number of date stones and terracotta
tile detailing will be found on properties on both sides
of the road. The Yorkshire Building Society at the
corner of has good detailing and the two half timbered
pubs are worthy of restoration.
The range of buildings leading to The Kings is worthy
of note. Of three stories with varied window treatment.
At the corner of Hind Hill Street stand two banks. The

Next on the right The Grants Arms of 1987. All of
rusticated stone and with corner quoins. The two outer
bays have oriel windows. Two three storey buildings
with first floor oriel windows and flamboyant gutters
follow before reaching the The Three Terriers, of brick
and stone detailing.

Nat West has a curious ashlar and rubble banded
frontage to Hind Hill Street. More pleasing is the
frontage to Market Street with three large semicircular
windows lighting the banking hall. The corner
doorway balcony is supported by twin pilasters. First
floor again rubble stone and above a balustrade and
pediment with coat of arms. More interesting is the
Now a range of old cottages spoiled by modern
quirky Barclays, opposite. The entrance faces
Continuing along Hind Hill Street we arrive on the
frontage and signage although one remains unaltered Manchester Road in an extended porch flanked by
right at St Josephs the Worker church and school. In except for UPVC windows and door. At the corner of Corinthian columns which are semi- enclosed in the
polychromatic buff and red brick and with faience
St James Street a fine Georgian style property of three rustica [ۈوHܛ