Coliseum plans for town hall

PIPE-DREAM? . . . An artist’s impression of the plans

The Coliseum Theatre wants to come to the rescue of Oldham’s rotting town hall with a multi-million blend of old building and new auditorium.

Even though the Fairbottom Street venue has no money to bring to the table, managers hope Oldham people will back the idea.

Last week, council leader Councillor Howard Sykes, asked Oldhamers what they want to do with the Grade II-listed building.

Liz Wilson, the Coliseum’s administrative director, revealed the theatre’s plans for a new curved glass-fronted auditorium, alongside the old town hall buildings drawn up this year.

Liz said: “What we bring is a great going concern which is extremely well supported.

“We could create something of significance — the Lowry probably seemed a pipe dream once, but someone made a choice and decided it was a worthwhile investment for Salford.”

The design, which is only at very early stages, envisages keeping the 1841 front entrance, with its Greek columns, and sweeping staircase.

The central section, built in 1880, would be used for a studio theatre, with dressing rooms downstairs in the old police station.

The idea differs from plans drawn up five years ago, when the idea of moving the Coliseum into the town hall was first suggested.

Liz said: “Towards the end of last year the council’s regeneration department asked us to consider the town hall site again.It was part of the survey by GVA Grimley to take a fresh look at the town centre.

“I also went round the old town hall in February with our architect and the regional officer for English Heritage.

“We have to be realistic about what we are prepared to lose, but we would like to retain the first town hall from 1841, the council chamber and ballroom.”

The Coliseum hopes the Heritage Lottery Fund would back the scheme, with other foundations and trusts making smaller contributions.

Councillor Howard Sykes said: “We are happy to look at anything.

“The plans are good — where does the cash come from to make them happen is the key question we all need to ask, and I intend to keep doing so.”






I DEPLORE the state to which the old town hall has been allowed to deteriorate. Why can't we be like Ashton for instance which has a similar old town hall which has been preserved and is still in use for various things for the community.

The ideal solution for Oldham Town Hall would be as a new venue for The Coliseum. It would be a great asset to the town and give us something to be proud of again.

A Lowe




AFTER seeing the pictures of the state of our town hall, whomever is responsible should be named and shamed, whether it be Tory, Labour or Lib-Dems. Somebody knows who held the keys. Adults are to blame for this vandalism not yobs. They have done more damage to this town than Hitler did. As to what can be done about it, I don’t know anybody with that much money.

Perhaps the people who are spending all this money on football could give a donation. They seem to have plenty of money to spare.

JEAN SCHOFIELD




WHAT a shambles, why has such a great building been allowed to decay to such a state. Oldham council should be embarrassed.

Let’s hope it is not too late and a proper use can be found along with the money to carry out the repairs so that the community of Oldham can benefit from building.

Maybe a new theatre with family eating places and shops but still retaining the history the town hall has.

STEPHEN FAIRBROTHER




WHY don’t they do it up? How about making the old town hall into the new academy they want for Oldham, combining it with Lyceum which is also partly empty.

Now that’s what you call a showcase and in the centre of Oldham instead of on the outskirts.

Surely it would cost the same as a new academy or maybe less. Don’t let the Lyceum go the same way as the town hall.

We have the new college on Union Street as well so it would be such an ideal place instead of upsetting local businesses in the old mills that they want to demolish to make way for the new academy.

BARNEY RUBBLE