The much-loved Oldham Coliseum is another step closer to re-opening with Oldham Council announcing the appointment of Tilbury Douglas to lead on the refurbishment.
The contractor is already transforming the historic Old Library in Oldham and will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to breathe new life into renowned Fairbottom Street theatre.
Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “I’m so excited for the future of Oldham Coliseum – this is a huge milestone.
“Tilbury Douglas have a fantastic track record of delivering amazing buildings in our borough and I have no doubt that they will do the same for the Coliseum.
“The whole team shares our ambition to make Oldham a brilliant place to live, work and visit and I can’t wait for them to get started.
“Just a few months ago I stood outside the Coliseum and announced that I had listened to the community and decided we would invest in the building to get it re-opened in time for Panto 2025.
“Since then we’ve been hard at work preparing the theatre for its refurbishment. Huge thanks to D Hughes Demolition, an Oldham company, who have carefully carried out these works with great care for the building.
“I’m delighted that our plans are now coming to life and by next Christmas, the Coliseum will be back. I’m sure many people, like me, can’t wait to see the theatre come alive once again.”
With preparatory works almost complete, Oldham Council will now work in partnership with Tilbury Douglas to draw up detailed plans for the restoration and refurbishment.
The council has committed £10 million to the project, supported by £6.1m from the Towns Fund and the remainder from Oldham Council’s regeneration budget.
Phil Shaw, Managing Director – North at Tilbury Douglas, said: “Building on our collaborative work with Oldham Council to transform the historic Old Library, we are excited to bring our expertise to the refurbishment of the Coliseum.
“This project reflects our strategic focus on creating spaces that enrich communities, supporting Oldham’s cultural ambitions while preserving its heritage.”
Martin Horne, Regional Director – North West at Tilbury Douglas, said: “Our strong track record of delivering community-focused projects and creating social value will be at the heart of our approach to the Coliseum refurbishment.
“We are committed to working closely with Oldham Council to deliver a venue that celebrates its history and contributes to a thriving local community.”
Martina Murphy, Chair of Oldham Coliseum Theatre, said: “What a journey the last few years have been and to see the theatre in Fairbottom Street being brought back to life.
“Like so many of us in Oldham, Oldham Coliseum Theatre was my first experience of theatre and it’s truly exciting that future generations of Oldhamers will be able to do the same.
“People living in our town deserve to see their stories reflected on and off the stage and we’re honoured to be working with such supportive partners and funders, as we continue to reimagine theatre in Oldham and its potential to help regenerate the town centre and reach more people than ever before.”
Actor Julie Hesmondhalgh, who is also a leading member of the Friends of Oldham Coliseum, said: “This is amazing news which I know will bring huge excitement to people across the UK.
“That is the significance of Oldham Coliseum – it’s not just a theatre in Oldham – it’s a place of history, memories and huge pride.
“Many people have performed in this beautiful space – from Charlie Chaplin to Ralph Fiennes, from Sian Phillips to Barbara Knox, and hundreds of people started their career here, bringing great joy to audiences for over a century, and countless employment opportunities, both on and off stage.
“I’m over the moon that this amazing building will live on for future generations and cannot thank Arooj and the council enough for listening to the people and making this happen.”
