Lounge on cue for Oldham youngsters

THRIVING... Mohammad Naeem with co-owner Mohammed Rahiem at the new Oldham Leisure Lounge on King Street.

AN OLD entertainment haunt come back to life in a town-centre boost for young people.


Different generations know it affectionately by different names — the Gaumont, the Astoria, Top Rank, Bailey’s, Romeo and Juliet’s and Butterfly’s.

Now the red brick former cinema at the junction of King Street and Union Street is a thriving centre for fun-loving youngsters.

Mohammed Rahiem and his team has transformed a shabby-looking interior into a cool and modern centre — Oldham Leisure Lounge — in just six months.

He says: “It was a shell when we first got it, with wiring hanging down.

“Now thanks to a passionate hard-working group, we hope we have brought a place where youngsters can come and enjoy themselves in a safe and friendly environment.

Once a building that hosted the Beatles, the young people have been ‘twist and shouting’ to their friends about the fresh hotspot.

Holding several new snooker and American pool tables, games machines, private rooms for parties, a non-alcoholic bar and a giant HD television with a comfy seating area, there is plenty on offer.

Just to prove it, last Saturday night proved a knockout hit.

Mohammed (40), of Oldham Edge, said: “The Haye and Klitschko boxing fight was packed-out in here and everyone was having a good time.

“There’s a real nightclub vibe here and a place that parents are encouraging their children to go.

“There is always that saying of ‘there’s nothing to do’ in Oldham for youngsters. Well we want to change that.”

Mohammed, who owns PS Events Managements and has been involved with Oldham youth activities for almost two decades, revealed his team are planning to build a tenpin bowling alley in the basement of the building, ready for January, 2012.

Also he said that a separate company had plans to build a roller skating rink above the centre, which was formerly Riley’s snooker hall.

Oldham Leisure Lounge offers free admission for youngsters aged 11 upwards; open 11am- 2am.