Oldham approves plans for public arts space

Oldham Council cabinet members have approved plans for a new public space in Oldham’s developing Cultural Quarter, which will also home the town’s new theatre.

The area will be able to hold an outdoor stage and will be adaptable to suit activities including outdoor arts classes and theatre performances.

According to a press release from the council, the outdoor space will be the “heart” of Oldham’s developing Cultural Quarter and bring together three key buildings: the current Library and Gallery, the restored Old Library and the new theatre.

READ MORE:

• Oldham receives ACE funding for cultural activity
• 'New home' for Oldham Coliseum gets green light

The news follows confirmation last week that Oldham Council will receive a £1.845m grant from Arts Council England to facilitate cultural provision in the town over the next three years while development of the Cultural Quarter is underway.

Oldham Council leader Arooj Shah commented: "This is great news for residents, community groups and visitors to Oldham, who will soon have a fantastic new outdoor space for arts and culture that everyone can enjoy – right at the heart of our new Cultural Quarter.

"The changes will come at the perfect time, as lots more people will be coming into town to shop in the new home for Tommyfield Market, attend an event in the new events space and watch shows at the new theatre. I'm really looking forward to seeing work get underway."

Meanwhile, plans for the £24m new build theatre, of which Oldham Coliseum Theatre is penned to become the lead tenant, remain in development phase.

At the end of last month, the council released computer-generated images of architects designs and held a public consultation, open for six days, to give the public an opportunity to give their input.

Proposals show a three-story building home to a 300+ seat auditorium, a second 120+ seat performance space and further education and community spaces.

Commenting on the release of the proposals, Jennifer Cleary, Director North at Arts Council England said ACE "welcomes this next stage in the development of Oldham's new theatre, which will play a pivotal role in delivery of the borough’s cultural strategy and the future opportunities for young people, artists, creatives and the wider community in Oldham and beyond".

According to the council’s latest update, the new build theatre remains subject to planning permission, but will be open by 2026 if plans go ahead as anticipated.