PLANS to turn Hyde’s former library into apartments have taken a huge step further after the site was sold.
Hyde Court Ltd was given the go ahead to transform the building on Union Street into 102 properties in July 2025.
Now following the deal with Tameside Council, work is a lot closer to starting – with the Victorian façade staying.
The fate of Hyde’s former library has been at the centre of huge local debate as it stands empty after a more than a decade, with claims it has been ‘left to rot.’
Its main building will be turned into a four-storey block containing 53 flats. Two new structures containing 34 and 15 apartments respectively will also be built on the site of what was Tameside College of Technology.
Financial appraisals say Hyde Court, based in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, can expect the mixture of properties to bring in just over £17.5 million in sales.
Its actual profit has been estimated at £622,001.59, representing 3.5 per cent, significantly lower than a 20 per cent target identified previously.
The multi-million pound scheme forms part of the wider Hyde Masterplan and is viewed as a key step in revitalising its town centre.‑million‑pound scheme forms part of the wider Hyde Masterplan and is viewed as a key step in revitalising the town centre.
The Correspondent entered the 127-year-old building in September 2022 and saw the decay.
Huge holes in the collapsing roof, birds flying around inside the façade, muck and devastation, it was a real scene of carnage.
Pretty much the only thing left standing reasonably intact is the frontage, which will be kept in this scheme.
At the time, Stalybridge and Hyde MP Jonathan Reynolds said: “It’s worse inside than I had anticipated.
“I knew it had been the victim of quite a lot of vandalism but the damage to the roof has really damaged the insides.
“However, this is still a prime site. The challenge for me is I want to see the Victorian features retained. That’s what I want more than anything else.
“People will know the front and the side are the old Victorian parts.
“We’ve got to keep that heritage in the town but there’s lots that can be done with this site, so I want the council to get on with it and do it.”
Now the sale has been concluded, Hyde Newton Councillor Hugh Roderick, Tameside Council’s executive member for finance and resources, said: “The sale and redevelopment of the former library marks a significant moment for Hyde.
“This building is an important part of our heritage and Hyde Court Ltd’s investment will ensure it is brought back into use with the care it deserves.
“Restoring this much-loved landmark while delivering high-quality new homes is exactly the kind of regeneration that strengthens our town centre.”‑loved landmark while delivering high‑quality new homes is exactly the kind of regeneration that strengthens our town centre.”
Graham Dutt, director of Hyde Court Ltd, added: “This is an exciting opportunity to bring a landmark building back into meaningful use and to contribute to the long-term revitalisation of Hyde town centre.‑term revitalisation of Hyde town centre.
“Preserving the historic character of the former library while delivering high-quality, modern and sustainable homes is central to our approach.‑quality, modern and sustainable homes is central to our approach.
“We’re pleased to be working collaboratively with Tameside Council and look forward to delivering a scheme that the community can be proud of.”
Forts Developments has been appointed as the main contractor for the scheme, leading the construction and refurbishment works.
Its director Jeton Osmani said: “We are proud to be delivering this important project for Hyde.
“Restoring a heritage building of this significance while creating contemporary, energy efficient homes is exactly the kind of work we specialise in.‑efficient homes is exactly the kind of work we specialise in.
“We look forward to working closely with Hyde Court Ltd and Tameside Council to achieve a high-quality outcome for the community.”‑quality outcome for the community.”