Background
Our work enabled Oldham Archives to successfully relocate approximately 150 cubic metres of archive and local studies collections within a challenging 4–6 week timeframe. The project involved the safe handling and accurate documentation of 8,969 items, including boxed, rolled, wrapped, and cabinet-stored documents, print publications, and maps. Using 104 pallets and 45 pallet boxes, we delivered a phased uplift, transfer, and installation between 22 September and 17 October, ensuring continuity and security throughout.
This rapid, budget-conscious move was critical to Oldham Archives’ goal of reopening in its new home at the Spindles shopping centre as quickly as possible. By meeting the deadline, we helped the service reconnect with its community and showcase its collections in a modern, accessible environment. For the open day, highlights such as the 1849 Borough Charter and oral history recordings from the 1990s were displayed, alongside interactive features like a sound kiosk and behind-the-scenes tours of the purpose-built store.
The result was a transformed visitor experience: researchers regained access to collections without prolonged disruption, and the public engaged with heritage in a vibrant new setting. Our meticulous planning and execution not only safeguarded irreplaceable materials but also supported Oldham Archives in achieving its vision of expanding access and deepening engagement. This project demonstrates how our expertise delivers tangible outcomes—preserving heritage while enabling innovative, community-focused services.
Partnership & Collaboration
At DeepStore, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. For Oldham Archives, we worked as true partners, not just contractors. From the outset, we provided a detailed methodology statement outlining the uplift, transfer, and installation process. This gave the client clarity on the complexity of the move and reassurance that every stage would meet specialist handling standards and maintain accurate documentation.
Our approach was solutions-led and flexible. We listened carefully to the client’s priorities—speed, safety, and budget—and worked together to find the best way forward. When challenges arose, such as oversized volumes requiring bespoke handling, we collaborated closely to create order out of chaos, ensuring the collections were installed correctly and efficiently.
Jan Hicks, Archivist at Oldham Archives, summed up the partnership: “This project has been a real team effort. The team at DeepStore played a vital role, combining careful handling, attention to detail, and a deep respect for the heritage we’re preserving.” This trust was built through open communication, transparency, and a shared commitment to safeguarding irreplaceable materials.
Beyond the move, we added long-term value by sharing best practices for storage and handling, helping the client prepare for future projects. Our expertise and collaborative ethos ensured Oldham Archives could reopen on time in its new home, ready to engage the public in a modern, accessible space. This project exemplifies how we work with clients as partners to achieve their goals and preserve heritage for generations.
Endorsement
The success of the Oldham Archives relocation project is best illustrated through client feedback and measurable outcomes. Jan Hicks, Archivist at Oldham Archives, stated:
“The support of DeepStore in delivering this collection move has been invaluable. The crew that moved the collections were positive, hard-working and ready to adapt to changes in the plan at short notice. When I was struggling to find solutions to issues, they provided suggestions and expertise to ensure the move ran smoothly.”
Our detailed methodology statement provided clarity and confidence, demonstrating how our specialist handling and extensive experience made us the best value for money. This reassurance was critical for a project involving 8,969 items across boxed, rolled, wrapped and cabinet-stored formats, moved safely and accurately within a tight 4–6 week timeframe.
The outcome speaks for itself: Oldham Archives reopened on schedule in its new home at the Spindles shopping centre, enabling researchers and the public to access collections without prolonged disruption. The open day attracted significant community interest, with visitors exploring treasures such as the 1849 Borough Charter and oral history recordings, and enjoying behind-the-scenes tours of the purpose-built store. The Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Eddie Moores, officially declared the archives open, marking an exciting step in preserving and celebrating Oldham’s heritage for generations to come.
This project demonstrates DeepStore’s reliability, adaptability and impact—delivering not just a successful move, but a foundation for long-term engagement and sector-wide best practice in archive relocation.
