Built in phases between 1962 and 1977, the Oldham Civic Centre and Queen Elizabeth Hall became home of Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council in 1977 when they were officially opened by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother – the hall named to commemorate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977.
The photos below show the civic centre at its best over recent years: with England flags flying high on St George’s Day, lit up for the 80th anniversary of VE Day, towering over the town centre as a staple of our borough’s skyline, and as part of a model for the bus station I saw at Greater Manchester Museum of Transport.
It was a privilege to spend over a decade as local councillor for Failsworth East & over 4 years as Leader of Oldham Council based at the Civic Centre. As a candidate at a by-election in 2015 and 3 general elections since then, I have spent long nights in the Queen Elizabeth Hall as votes have been counted. These institutions have played a big role in my life, as they have for so many.
But as one chapter ends, another begins. With Council offices moving to Spindles and to the JR Clynes Building, many milestones have been hit in the regeneration of Oldham Town Centre.
The New Market Hall & Events Space off Parliament Square are nearing completion, the Coliseum has been saved at its historic home on Fairbottom Street ready for next year, the Old Town Hall jigsaw has neared completion with the recent opening of the Egyptian Room, and the Oldham Town Living Development Framework is well underway.
These projects have a shared goal: protecting our rich heritage, bringing the modern facilities & institutions local people deserve to our town centre, and concentrating footfall to support high street retailers & small businesses.
Jim McMahon OBE MP 