Coliseum new build plans shelved

Picture courtesy of Oldham Council

It had been hoped that work would be well under way by now on the replacement for Oldham’s Coliseum theatre, but that now appears to be nothing but a pipe dream after plans for the £27 million project were ditched by Councillors.

Under the proposals the current building, which has been on Fairbottom Street since 1885, would have been replaced with a new state-of-the-art facility on the site of a current car park on Southgate Street.

But that now won’t be happening with Council leader, Sean Fielding, claiming: “A lot has changed since the idea was first discussed six years ago, including the costs involved, so at this stage we are not going to continue with the current proposals to build a new Coliseum on the Southgate Street site.”

The new building would have seen capacity in the theatre increase from its current 524-seat main auditorium to 550 and a 172-seat flexible studio being incorportated into the design.

But those plans have now been ditched. Instead, the Council have said they will be applying for planning permission for work to start on the new Oldham Heritage and Arts Centre.

Councillor Fielding adding: “The new Heritage and Arts Centre will be a venue that the borough can be proud of – attracting residents and those from outside the borough.

"It will transform the town’s cultural offer for generations to come.”

He also hasn’t ruled out returning to the idea of replacing the Coliseum, adding: “We’d like to make this clear – the council and our partners at Oldham Coliseum and Arts Council England remain fully committed to providing high quality performance space in the town centre, which is relevant, sustainable and delivers high quality theatre.”

“Over the next few months we will continue to draw up plans with the Coliseum and Arts Council England for a fit for purpose facility.”

The move will come as another major blow for the theatre, who announced this week their artistic director and Chief Executive, Kevin Shaw, was stepping down after 17 years.

Gail Richards, Chair of Oldham Coliseum said: “We, along with Oldham Coliseum and Arts Council England, are passionate about securing the future of theatre in Oldham.”

“We are excited to be working with our partners on further developments, so that together we can continue to provide access to a range of high quality theatre, with learning and participatory activities for all, for the best possible value for money.”.

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