Planning permission has now been granted for the external alterations to Oldham Coliseum as it is restored at its historic Fairbottom street site ready to be reopened next year.
This progress on the road to reopening our historic theatre is really encouraging and our local Labour-led Council deserves great credit for the time, effort and investment they have put in to saving Oldham Colisuem. Being able to both modernise the venue so its financial sustainability is secured for the long term, while also keeping it at it’s historic site which is rich in heritage is the best outcome for local people.
Friends of Oldham Coliseum and local legend Julie Hesmondhalgh have been integral in this process and the progress made so far would not have been possible without their hard work and determination.
During last year’s general election, we prioritised promoting community ownership for the people of Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton. The hard work put in to save the Coliseum with a co-operative model of ownership shows the success community ownership can bring in safeguarding our heritage & local venues, and empowering local people by giving communities a stake in the future of their cherished assets.
Our borough deserves a modern theatre that has the capacity and facilities to put on great shows for local people and provide opportunities in creative & culture industries right here in Oldham – and we are on track to delivering that next year.
Jim McMahon OBE MP 