Vision for new £24.5m theatre to replace iconic Oldham Coliseum revealed
Bosses have revealed how a new £24.5m theatre to replace Oldham’s iconic Coliseum could look as the historic venue prepares to close next month.
Council leader Amanda Chadderton said: “After the really sad news from the Coliseum in recent weeks, it’s great to see such a positive step forward for the future of arts and culture here in Oldham. “We have a fantastic future for arts and performance here in our new theatre, building on our fantastic arts heritage, which the Coliseum and cultural partners have been integral to designing.”
“The new theatre will revitalize Oldham’s cultural offer and create additional jobs, both in the venue and from the surrounding area,” officers state. “We also welcome Oldham council’s proposal to accept the Arts Council’s ring-fenced funding for the town. While we remain disappointed that this funding could not be given to the Coliseum to continue our work directly, we know how much performance means to local people and support the need for ongoing investment in the arts while a new theatre is developed.