Oldham Coliseum Theatre has been saved from permanent closure and will reopen its doors in time for the pantomime season in 2025.
The decision was announced at a special gathering in the town this evening with council leader Aroog Shah joined at the event by actor Julie Hesmondhalgh and writer Ian Kershaw – who spearheaded the Save Oldham Coliseum campaign alongside a group of dedicated theatre lovers from the Oldham community.
Around 100 people, including local residents, performers, politicians and partners, packed out Fairbottom Street in Oldham to hear the good news first-hand.
”We’ve listened to local people and can reveal that we will bring the Coliseum back to life in time for the Christmas Panto 2025.” the council said
The theatre was forced to close after Arts Council England withdrew funding because of concerns over its management, while the local council said the building was “no longer fit for purpose”.
The council planned to replace it with a new, smaller £24m theatre but instead the existing building is set to have a £10m refurbishment in time for Xmas 2025
Julie said: “This is a cause for celebration for so many people who have come together to show their passion for the theatre and bringing the Oldham Coliseum back to life. Oldham Council has shown a fantastic commitment to re-opening the Coliseum, and by working together, we can really put arts and culture at the heart of a transformed town centre. It feels like the start of a new, exciting era and it’s one that has been driven by the people of Oldham.”
Cllr Shah said: “For many Oldhamers, their love of the arts was closely aligned with their experiences and memories of the Coliseum, and they expressed a strong desire to save the building. We have listened to them, and thanks to the support of Julie, Ian, the Save Oldham Coliseum group, and our partners, we are now making that happen.
“Alongside this, work is underway to build a more cooperative, collaborative model for the building and for arts provision more widely across Oldham.
“The past 14 years have been challenging for councils and the arts sector alike. We’re committed to a better future and creating an exciting new model where we work closely together across the borough, share our expertise, and work together to provide brilliant arts and cultural experiences for everyone. The Coliseum will be centre stage of our work to transform the town centre, creating a better Oldham for everyone.”
