Restoring the roof of Tyldesley Library

The project

As a Grade II listed building, Tyldesley Library is undergoing a full-scale programme of restoration works to restore the historic features and return the building to its former glory. Naturally, the roof of the landmark building forms a key part of the project, ensuring the building is protected from the elements as well as preserving the traditional aesthetics of the building for future generations. To achieve this balance, Redland’s Rosemary Clay Classic plain roof tiles were selected for the job.

Tyldesley Library - built in 1909 - is a local heritage landmark, recognised for its Jacobean Renaissance style of architecture. Gifted to the people of Tyldesley by Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, the building is much loved locally for both its architecture and history.  

In 2020 the library was closed because the building needed extensive refurbishment. After fears the library would be permanently relocated and the beloved building could be demolished for new housing, a local community group, the Friends of Tyldesley Library, campaigned to protect the building. In 2022, a £1.5m refurbishment project was announced and in 2023 the library became a Grade II Listed building. 

The library was recognised as being in great need of repair to preserve it for future generations, as well as continuing to provide a purposeful public service today. A key feature of the Grade II Listed building is its red clay roof which helps to define its architectural significance as a heritage building. Part of the regeneration works included the re-roofing of the building in order to bring it back to its original aesthetic. Over the past century, repairs had been carried out on the roof, having a notable impact on its appearance. In particular, some of the original clay tiles had been replaced with concrete alternatives.