Plans now submitted for outdoor art and culture events space in Oldham town centre

The proposed public space within the 'cultural quarter' of Oldham

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Proposals to create a new ‘enhanced’ public space in Oldham town centre to hold outdoor art and culture events have been submitted by council chiefs.

After getting cabinet approval earlier this month, Oldham council has now applied for planning permission to carry out improvement works to the existing garden and open space next to Oldham Library.

It will be surrounded by the new venue for Oldham Coliseum – the former Post Office and Quaker meeting house – and the Old Library, which is also being restored.

The civic space is proposed to be able to hold an outdoor stage and also be made adaptable to suit activities such as outdoor arts classes, theatre performances and more.

Chiefs say the design includes a fully accessible central square that can hold up to 150 people for a stage, complete with light and sound.

As part of the work, improvements will also be made to Southgate, Ashworth, and Greaves Street to include planting, new trees, seating areas, external lighting and improved paving. 

Two new canopies would be provided to the west side of the Old Library onto the square, and a further new canopy would be installed on the east of the Old Library onto the Southgate Street side.

The council says that the aim is that the space will become the ‘heart’ of Oldham’s Cultural Quarter, bringing together the three key buildings – the current Library and Gallery, the restored Old Library which is set to open in early 2025 and the new theatre, which subject to planning permission is expected to open in 2026.

Council leader Arooj Shah said: “This is great news for residents, community groups and visitors to Oldham, who will soon have a fantastic new outdoor space for arts and culture that everyone can enjoy – right at the heart of our new Cultural Quarter.

“While there’s so much to be proud of in Oldham’s past, we have a lot to be excited for in the future, and this new addition to our town centre will be one of them.”

A decision on the proposals is expected to be made by the planning authority by mid-October.

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