We’re going to the movies

A NEW artist impression of the multiplex

AMBITIOUS plans to transform the old town hall into a cinema and family entertainment venue have cleared the final planning hurdle.

The thumbs up was given as Oldham Council released new images of its vision for the Grade II listed building, showing how it will transform the town centre.

Its status meant the council — whose planning committee approved the scheme in mid-September — was required to seek Listed Building Consent — now granted by Eric Pickles, the Secretary of State for the Department of Communities and Local Government.

The plans were drawn up to capitalise on the venue’s town centre location and to sympathetically conserve as much of the existing building as possible.

Oldham Council leader Councillor Jim McMahon said: “This is excellent news and a crucial milestone in our plans for Oldham town centre.

“The decision shows we did our preparatory work well. It was absolutely vital that we consulted the public about our plans and also that we acted to preserve the building’s status by working closely with English Heritage.

“Oldham needs a cinema and family entertainment venue and we believe the old town hall site offers a fantastic opportunity to deliver that in a unique and historic setting.”

More information about the plans can be viewed at www.oldham.gov.uk/oldtownhall.