Methodist New Connexion Schools, Union Street, Oldham

OLDHAM - The new building in Union Street which has been erected by the Methodist New Connexion body for School purposes, was recently opened by Miss Smith, of Holyrood. The style of the building is Queen Anne and is carried out in red Ruabon, terra cotta, and fancy bricks. The ground floor has a large and spacious entrance, with vestibule (leading direct to the School Room), from which is a staircase leading to the upper classrooms. The large room, which is in the centre; is 51 ft. by 42 ft., and there are three Classrooms on the other side and an additional staircase leading to the upper classrooms on that side of the school; there are also Lavatories. The upper floor has ten classrooms, five on each side. The school - room, including the Gallery, will accommodate 750 persons. In the basement is a Gymnasium, together with a spacious Kitchen, and a hoist communicating directly with the school. The whole contract, exclusive of heating, was let to Mr. William Lees, of Oldham, the sub-contractors being as follows: Terra cotta and facing bricks, the Ruabon Brick and Terra Cotta Company; excavating, draining, and brickwork, Messrs. S. and J. Smethurst; stonework, S. Smethurst; carpenters and joiners’ work, Wm. Lees; slating, R. Fletcher; plastering, James Hall; plumbing and glazing, John Kershaw; painting and varnishing E. Edmondson; heating Mr F. W. Spencer;  electric lighting, Messrs. Charlesworth and Co.; tiling, Messrs. Williams and Co.; wrought ironwork, Messrs. Cunliffe and Dean. The work has been carried out from the designs of, and under the superintendence of, Mr. J. W. Firth, Architect, of Oldham. The total: cost is about £4,500. [Builders Journal 2 September 1896 page 62-63]

Reference           Builders' Journal 2 September 1896 page 62-63