Great to see the fantastic new studio spaces for Oldham Theatre Workshop at the renovated JR Clynes Building to inspire the next generation of performers.
Yes, the JR Clynes Building is now the part of the new home for Oldham Council as it vacates the Civic Centre, but as the new civic and cultural heart of our borough, it offers much more than that.
Having this new space for Oldham Theatre Workshop is just one way in which restoring this disused building not only safeguards the rich heritage of our town, but too makes the investment impactful for local people by allowing the space to be used in modern ways local people deserve
Giving our young people opportunities in creative industries and to enrich their lives, which the Oldham Theatre Workshop has always done, is a brilliant form of community use, as shown by its extensive list of famous alumni of actors, musicians and more.
Our country is a cultural superpower on the world stage, and local people have Labour in power at every level who are working to safeguard our heritage and community venues, which I prioritised for local people at the general election.
From restoring the Old Library for community use; to Saving Oldham Coliseum at its historic site, modernising Gallery Oldham & the central library, legislating for new tax relief for British films, and initiating a new National Youth Strategy: we are committed to supporting our creative & cultural sectors.
Thank you to Oldham Theatre Workshop for having me.
Jim McMahon OBE MP 