Cinema complex: real action begins

Artist’s impression of the cinema plan for the old town hall

A PLANNING application detailing ambitious transformation plans for Oldham’s old town hall has been submitted to Oldham council.

The document gives detailed information on the long-awaited blueprint to breathe new life into the dilapidated, crumbling, Grade II listed building, and turn it into a thriving centre for nightlife.

The plans pave the way for a 1,000-seat eight-screen cinema, four restaurants/cafes and a new outdoor area to act as a stage for social and community events.

A translucent glass extension to the Clegg Street side will provide a new entrance, allowing cafes to spill out on to a new public area. The idea is to retain as much of the original building as possible - the Clegg Street side will be retained unde the glass wall, protecting it.

The old Clegg Street bus station will go under the plan.

The council-owned building has been the subject of several development proposals over the years, none of them acted upon.

Planners say the transformation will act as a catalyst to town centre regeneration and economic improvement.

The complex is expected to bring with it 46 full-time and 99 part-time jobs, and 31 extra off-site jobs.

The existing car park will be scrapped to make way for the extension, with room only for four disabled parking bays and 27 cycle spots, and a drop-off and pick-up point.

The planning application will now be open for public consultation, and should go before the council’s planning committee on September 19.

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