Stage set

Plan of action... an artists's impression of what the new Coliseum and Heritage Centre will look like

THIS is what the new Oldham Coliseum and Heritage Centre will look like if plans for the multi-million pound development get the go-ahead.

The council and Coliseum have been working with architects Mecanoo on proposals for the Union Street site in a bid to bring Oldham’s cultural jewels together under one roof.

An artist’s impression shows the proposed front elevation of the modern new-build Coliseum and how it would look alongside the Grade II-listed former Oldham Library building, which will become the new Heritage Centre.

The development, only yards from the Oldham Central Metrolink stop, would also link up with nearby Gallery Oldham.

The finished product will be home to two theatre auditoria of 550 and 100 seats with state-of-the-art facilities, a heritage centre telling the story of Oldham’s proud past, galleries, archives, public research rooms, foyers, bars and meeting spaces.

Council leader Jim McMahon said: “This latest vision is the result of careful work which aims to showcase the beauty of our future — an eye-catching modern Coliseum Theatre building — in a setting that fully complements and doesn’t compete with the grand former library building which will be given new life as a heritage centre.

“This scheme is fundamental to our wider plans to make Oldham a destination, help to grow our visitor economy and inspire civic pride.

“With attractions like these — plus the Odeon cinema at the old town hall, and the new retail, leisure and amenities on offer at Prince’s Gate at Oldham Mumps — we are regenerating our future town centre in a way which uses our heritage as its foundation and its catalyst.”

Submission of the planning application is a pre-condition for a second-round bid made to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for around £4 million.

A separate bid to Arts Council England (ACE) for £5 million was submitted earlier this year.

Decisions on both are expected in spring, 2015, with work due to start in 2016 if permission is granted.

Kevin Shaw, artistic director and chief executive of the Coliseum, said: “We’re entering the next exciting phase with these plans and are delighted to be able to share the latest designs with the public.

“This development will help put Oldham firmly on the map with an attraction that combines fantastic arts, cultural and leisure facilities all in one place.

“It also gives the Coliseum a wonderful opportunity to build upon and extend our programme of work which already goes on across the borough and beyond.

“We will be able to use this brilliantly-designed new facility to continue producing the high-quality theatre for which we are renowned.”