Oldham Council have given an update on works to reopen
Oldham Coliseum closed in 2023 after losing all its National Portfolio funding from Arts Council England (ACE) in November 2022.
However, a campaign to reopen it was ultimately successful, with Oldham Council agreeing to invest £10m into the existing site
Work is progressing on site, with contractors Tilbury Douglas advancing a programme of improvements across the historic building. Much of the work has already been completed:
A brand new roof has been fitted, protecting the building for decades to come.
The backstage area has been redesigned to create a wider, fully accessible route to the stage, along with modern changing rooms, showers and toilet facilities.
The building has been carefully stripped back, with outdated services taken out, preparing the theatre for its next phase while protecting its historic character.
During the work, a previously unknown basement was discovered beneath the entrance foyer, along with a Coliseum membership card dating back to 1953, adding another chapter to the theatre’s rich history.
As refurbishment has developed, more detailed surveys have identified additional
An extra £7m has been agreed by the council to fund these necessary works, an investment in culture for the people of Oldham to enjoy.
The money is grant-funded, meaning no extra expense to Oldham Council taxpayers.
Earlier this month the Coliseum refuted claims it is in financial difficulties, with shows playing to “single figure audiences”, as “an unfair characterisation”.
An Oldham Council spokesperson said:
“Work is continuing to make good progress on the refurbishment of Oldham Coliseum Theatre. As these works have progressed, we have been able to do more detailed surveys on each part of the building. We have then discovered that more work is needed on areas like the staircase, where old buildings such as these can have issues with asbestos.
“The Coliseum is a historic venue, so making it fit to be the proper home of theatre in Oldham means we need more time to bring it back to life. We now anticipate a re-opening in 2027.
“Our focus remains on making sure the theatre reopens as a high-quality venue that will serve Oldham for generations to come. In the meantime, the Coliseum continues to produce fantastic work across the borough, presenting shows in venues including Whittles and George Street Chapel.”
Oldham Coliseum Theatre CEO Martina Murphy said:
“The Oldham Coliseum is more than a building. It’s where generations of people have discovered theatre, laughed together and created lasting memories. Every decision being made is about creating a theatre that honours its remarkable history while giving future generations a place to imagine and belong. We want people to walk through those doors knowing we’ve built something that will serve Oldham for decades to come.
“While work on the building continues, the Coliseum has remained active, developing artists, engaging communities and bringing theatre to audiences across the borough. With a strengthened creative leadership team now in place, we’re building on that momentum with confidence and are preparing for the re-opening. The building may be under construction, but the Coliseum is very much alive.”
Oldham Coliseum Theatre Guest Curator Julie Hesmondhalgh said: “Although it is obviously disappointing that we have to wait still longer for the reopening of our beloved Coli, I’m sure everyone understands that getting things right and making the beautiful old girl properly future-proof is the no 1 priority. Huge thanks to Tilbury Douglas for working so hard and for communicating so transparently with us, and to Oldham Council for continuing to invest in Oldham Coliseum’s future. We couldn’t be more excited by our interim plans, and we at OCT can’t wait to share them soon.”
