The Oldham Coliseum Theatre refurbishment project has been granted an additional £7 million, bringing the total cost to £17 million, after the discovery of widespread toxic asbestos and other structural issues. The theatre on Fairbottom Street has been closed since 2023 for a major overhaul, and this extra funding is needed to address unforeseen problems found during survey work.

More extensive surveys than originally planned uncovered a far greater presence of asbestos than expected, along with structural defects beneath a staircase and even a previously unknown basement under the entrance foyer. These findings have delayed the project by a year, with the theatre now expected to reopen in 2027. Project director Matthew Bulmer explained that the full extent of materials like asbestos could not be known until more invasive works began, stating: "You would expect to find asbestos in a building of this age but there is more of it and it's more widespread than we would have liked."

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral once valued for its strength and fireproofing, but it is now banned due to the severe lung diseases it can cause when fibres are disturbed. Its removal requires extreme care, with specialist teams ensuring materials are sealed and removed safely. The building's location near Yorkshire Street, a key road in the town centre, and its history of being renovated in stages over decades have added to the complexity of the work.

Despite the challenges, the extra funding has been supported unanimously by political leaders at Oldham Council, even though no permanent leadership is in place due to the current stalemate. Crucially, the additional £7 million comes from grant funds allocated to the council, not from its own budget, meaning no cost will be passed on to council tax payers. Without this approval, work would have had to stop.

Matthew Bulmer highlighted the community support that has driven the project forward. He said: "The people of Oldham stood up and said we want it and the council stood behind them. With a project like this, there are bumps in the road but we will get it done." He pointed to progress already made, including a new roof, and promised that "this will be something that Oldhamers will be proud of because it will look amazing."

The refurbishment is part of wider efforts to revitalise the town centre, with the Coliseum intended to become a cultural hub. Bulmer added: "It's about making the centre of Oldham a better place. We want the Coliseum to be the centre of culture where you can go out and get something to eat or drink and spend money with the businesses in the centre of Oldham."

While the theatre remains closed, its operators, Oldham Coliseum Theatre Limited, have continued to host events across the borough. This perseverance follows a challenging period when Arts Council England pulled its annual funding in 2022, threatening the theatre's future and leaving it with just one staff member. Now, with a larger team in place, the focus is on delivering a high-quality and safe venue for Oldham.

The discovery of widespread asbestos and structural defects has been a setback, but the council and project team are moving forward at pace. With the additional funding secured, work is set to continue, and local residents can look forward to a transformed theatre that aims to be a source of pride and a boost for the town centre's economy.