The theatre company that ran the former Oldham Coliseum that closed earlier this year has been given the go-ahead to move into a new £24.5m theatre, which will open in the town in 2026. Oldham Council today confirmed the news that The Oldham Coliseum Theatre Ltd will be the anchor tenant for the venue.
Discussions between the new Board of Oldham Coliseum Theatre Ltd (OTC) and Oldham Council have been ongoing since the board was appointed earlier this year, and following its unsuccessful application to remain in ACE’s National Portfolio from 1 April 2023, which led to the closure of the 138-year-old Coliseum on March 31.
Plans for a new theatre to replace Oldham's historic theatre were revealed in February following the council's recommitment to the development of a new theatre in the borough. Oldham Council has also submitted a proposal to Arts Council England for the ringfenced £1.845m over the next three years – which would see OCT playing a key role in the delivery of the arts and cultural programme alongside other cultural organisations.
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Construction of the new theatre, which be located on Greaves Street as part of Oldham’s Cultural Quarter, is being funded by Oldham Council, and and opening is scheduled for 2026 with OCT as its anchor tenant. Earlier in the year, Council chiefs said they wanted to open a new ‘more modern’ theatre – which would be smaller than the 585-seat Coliseum.
In the lead up to the opening of the new theatre, discussions between Oldham Council and OCT have focused on the delivery of 'high-quality' arts and culture to the people of Oldham, across a range of venues across the borough. OCT are also currently exploring new approaches to programming, creative learning, talent development and audience development in the town, whilst building new partnerships that ensure the new theatre responds to the needs of Oldham’s diverse communities and creative practitioners.
Duncan Craig OBE, Chair of Oldham Coliseum Theatre Ltd, commented: "My focus since becoming Chair in March has been on listening to the Coliseum’s many friends, partners, collaborators and supporters – and I’m delighted that our conversations are starting to bear fruit. This has been a very difficult time for so many people associated with the Coliseum, from staff and volunteers to those who’ve simply known and loved this grand old theatre.
"My huge thanks go to Chris Lawson, the Coliseum’s outgoing Artistic Director, and the Coliseum’s departing staff, who have continued to work with tirelessly dedication in such trying circumstances. My fellow Board members and I look forward to continue collaborating with Oldham Council, ACE, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and others as we work together on delivering culture to the heart of Oldham.”
Emma Barton, Executive Director for Place and Economic Growth added: “This is a key milestone in the future of theatre in the borough, ensuring arts and performance continue to thrive in Oldham, and ensuring that performers and audiences have a fully accessible, modern and sustainable new venue.
“The new theatre will revitalize Oldham’s cultural offer, create additional jobs and attract visitors into the town centre. It's on target to be open by 2026 – giving certainty to the future of performing arts in the town and building on our theatrical legacy – along with activities and performance to build and maintain audiences between now and then.”
Despite a passionate campaign to save it, Oldham Coliseum lowered its curtains for a final time on Friday, March 31 with one final celebratory show featuring performances from the likes of Christopher Eccleston and Maxine Peake, and many other famous faces who had trod the boards of the much-loved venue.
In November, Oldham Coliseum became the biggest theatre outside of London to lose its £600,000 Arts Council England (ACE) subsidy, in a funding shake-up that sent shockwaves through the arts community and the town of Oldham. The Coliseum was one of three regular producing theatres in the Greater Manchester city region, working with over 150,000 individuals per year across its performance, community and participatory activities.
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