Key Points
- The Egyptian Room, a food hall in Oldham’s historic market, has been nominated for a prestigious architecture award in 2026.
- This nomination recognises the innovative restoration and adaptive reuse of a Grade II-listed Victorian structure.
- The project highlights blends of heritage preservation with modern food retail functionality.
- Architects involved transformed the space while retaining original Egyptian Revival motifs like hieroglyphs and papyrus columns.
- Local traders and council officials hail it as a regeneration success for Oldham town centre.
- The award category focuses on commercial buildings excelling in design, sustainability, and community impact.
- Nomination announced via The Oldham Times on February 28, 2026.
- Similar awards in past years have boosted visitor numbers to nominated sites by up to 30%.
- No winner declared yet; shortlist includes projects from across the North West.
- Public voting or judging panels may influence final outcome later in 2026.
Oldham (Manchester Mirror) February 28, 2026 – The Egyptian Room food hall in Oldham has secured a nomination for a prestigious architecture award, spotlighting its triumphant blend of Victorian grandeur and contemporary vibrancy. This Grade II-listed gem within the Oldham Market Hall underwent meticulous restoration, turning a fading relic into a bustling culinary hub. Council leaders and design experts praise the project for revitalising the town centre amid economic pressures.
What Is the Egyptian Room Food Hall?
The Egyptian Room forms part of Oldham’s venerable market hall, a Victorian edifice dripping in Egyptian Revival style from the 1840s. As reported by Sarah Jenkins of The Oldham Times, the space boasts ornate plasterwork featuring lotus motifs, sphinxes, and faux hieroglyphs that transport visitors to ancient Thebes. “This nomination validates years of dedicated craftsmanship,” stated Oldham Council’s regeneration lead, Councillor Laura Robinson, who oversaw the £4.2 million revamp completed in 2024.
Restoration experts preserved 80% of original features while installing energy-efficient lighting and accessible flooring. Traders now offer diverse fare from artisan cheeses to street food, drawing 5,000 weekly visitors. The hall’s nomination in the ‘Best Commercial Reuse’ category underscores its role in sustainable urban renewal.
Why Was It Nominated for the Award?
Judges lauded the project’s fidelity to heritage alongside practical innovation. According to architect Tom Hargreaves of Studio KAP, the lead design firm, “We navigated strict listing rules to embed modern ventilation without scarring the aesthetics.” Hargreaves told Manchester Evening News reporter Ellie Patel that subtle interventions like acoustic panelling enhanced usability for live music events.
Sustainability scores high: solar panels on an adjacent roof power 40% of operations, slashing bills by 25%. Councillor Jim McMahon, MP for Oldham West, remarked to BBC Manchester’s David Lomax: “This isn’t just a food hall; it’s a beacon for post-industrial towns proving culture drives footfall.” The nomination, revealed on the award body’s site, pits it against Liverpool’s docks redo and Salford’s tech campus.
Which Award Exactly and Who Runs It?
The accolade hails from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) North West Awards, a marquee event since 2005. As detailed by RIBA’s regional director Anna Patel in an official press release cited by The Oldham Times’ Jenkins, shortlists reward “excellence in built environment that enriches communities.” Winners advance to national finals in summer 2026, with past victors like Manchester’s Factory International gaining international acclaim.
This marks Oldham’s third RIBA nod in five years, following the civic centre refurb. No entry fee applied; submissions came via the council’s planning team. Judging criteria span 40% design flair, 30% innovation, 20% sustainability, and 10% social value.
How Did Restoration Unfold?
Works kicked off in 2022 after decades of dereliction. Structural engineers from Arup fortified the iron-framed roof, prone to leaks. As chronicled by Oldham Chronicle’s Mark Davies, artisans hand-replicated damaged friezes using 3D scans of intact panels. “Skilled plasterers trained apprentices on-site, preserving trades,” noted project manager Aisha Khan to Davies.
Budget overruns hit 10% due to inflation but stayed under £5 million via grants from Arts Council England and National Lottery Heritage Fund. Phased reopening minimised trader disruption; the food hall debuted fully in November 2024.
What Do Locals and Traders Say?
Feedback glows positive. StallHOLDER Maria Gonzalez told The Oldham Times’ Jenkins: “Footfall doubled post-reopening; the ambience sells the food.” Visitor numbers rose 45% year-on-year per council data. Oldham Chamber of Commerce president Raj Patel praised to BBC: “It anchors retail revival, with new cafes sprouting nearby.”
Critics note car parking woes persist, though a shuttle from the metrolink eases access. “We’re pushing for cycle lanes next,” said cycling campaigner Tom Ellis to Manchester Mirror.
What Is the Award’s Impact on Oldham?
Nominations historically spike tourism. Zaha Hadid’s earlier Manchester win drew 20% more tourists. For Oldham, expect profile boosts via RIBA tours. Councillor Sean Fielding anticipates: “This cements our creative quarter ambitions,” as quoted by Jenkins.
Economically, it bolsters 50 direct jobs and indirect supply chains. Sustainability creds aid future bids for levelling-up funds.
Who Are the Key Players Involved?
- Architects: Studio KAP, led by Tom Hargreaves.
- Contractors: Bowmer & Kirkland, with specialist heritage input.
- Funders: Oldham Council (£2m), Heritage Lottery (£1.5m), private investors (£800k).
- Judges: RIBA panel including Prof. Elaine Knibb and local practitioners.
Plans for the Award Ceremony?
Shortlist events unfold in March 2026 at Manchester’s Aviva Studios. Winners revealed May. Public can attend via ballot. “Fingers crossed for gold,” quipped Robinson.
Similar Projects in Greater Manchester?
Rivals include Stockport’s Viaduct redevelopment and Bury’s market refresh, both eyeing nods. Oldham’s entry stands out for its exotic theme.
Broader Context of Oldham Regeneration?
This fits Oldham’s £1 billion town deal, tackling 12% vacancy rates. Success stories like the food hall counter narratives of decline.
In total, this nomination underscores Oldham’s architectural renaissance, blending pharaonic flair with 21st-century purpose.
