A new trust that will secure the future of a derelict church in Oldham containing a “dazzling” 20th-century artwork.
The Oldham Mural & Cultural Heritage Trust, led by a strong local board of trustees, will now take forward the vision for Holy Rosary Church in Greater Manchester and secure funding.
The trust plans to transform the church into a cultural heritage and arts centre. This is good news in itself – and also a big step forward in the ongoing campaign to protect and restore an extraordinary in-situ artwork by Hungarian emigre artist George Mayer-Marton.
The news was welcomed by local MP Jim McMahon and SAVE Britain’s Heritage which has been working behind the scenes with the community to find a new use for the derelict church. SAVE was also instrumental in getting the Oldham Mural and its setting listed in 2022. Mr McMahon and SAVE’s director Henrietta Billings met the trustees on site last month to hear about their plans.
Ottilia Ördög, a community facilitator, said their vision was to transform the repurposed building into a cultural heritage and youth and community arts centre for the young people and wider community of Fitton Hill.
She said: “By celebrating a local piece of international artwork, the centre would not only broaden horizons for young people but also help raise pride across the local community, strengthening identity, belonging, and cultural connection across Fitton Hill.”
Local resident and fellow trustee Kim Rogers, founder of Spark Oldham, added: “The building has so much potential. I have worked on the estate for over 15 years and seen the need for an amazing space like this for the community, especially the young people.”
Henrietta Billings, director of SAVE Britain’s Heritage, said: “We’re thrilled that the community has come together in this way with such passion and vision. Not only will their plans secure the future of the building and its extraordinary artwork, but they will also be providing a fantastic home for local young people to explore their own creativity.”
