Oldham council is pressing ahead with £1 million plans to purchase and demolish Harry's Bar, a rare interwar pub on Yorkshire Street, despite opposition from local MP Jim McMahon who warns the borough is 'wiping away our history in the name of progress'.
Background of Harry's Bar
The former Harry's Bar, originally built in 1937 as the Artizan's Rest, has been empty since its closure in 2023. The building is currently listed for sale at £470,000 on Zoopla, described as being in a 'prime location' suitable for a bar or restaurant with an 'inviting atmosphere for guests'.
Council's Regeneration Plans
The council's proposal, funded by a £2.5 million government regeneration grant, involves demolishing the pub to create an 'attractive town square' intended to draw visitors to the nearby theatre and shops. Critics have labelled the scheme a 'vanity project'.
A council spokesperson stated: 'Demolition is proposed to help open up the street scene and support the renovation and long-term future of the Oldham Coliseum Theatre. This approach seeks to carefully balance heritage considerations with the need to deliver a sustainable and thriving town centre.'
MP's Concerns
Jim McMahon, MP for Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton, has written to the council's chief executive urging a halt to the demolition. He highlighted that Save Britain's Heritage listed the pub as 'vulnerable' despite its 'architectural interest'.
'Oldham is a town largely shaped by the Industrial Revolution,' McMahon wrote. 'It is not a new town without history, and regeneration should not simply follow the fads or immediate priorities of the moment.'
He also noted a £61 million government fund to save local pubs, arguing there is 'plenty of potential to bring more investment to Oldham'.
Broader Impact
McMahon urged the council to develop a policy 'to safeguard the borough's historic pubs from demolition and inappropriate conversion', warning of 'additional pressures due to the scale of redevelopment taking place across the borough and the housing crisis driving a clear pattern of conversions into other uses'.
The council acknowledged the MP's concerns, stating: 'We recognise the important role these venues play in our communities and remain committed to supporting a vibrant night-time economy and protecting valued local assets.'
