The refurbishment of Oldham's historic Coliseum theatre has encountered further delays as construction workers continue to discover 'pockets of asbestos' during the £10m renovation project. The beloved Fairbottom Street venue, a cornerstone of local culture for almost 140 years, was forced to close in 2023 after the Arts Council withdrew its funding, citing major financial management issues and structural problems within the building.

The initial proposal for a £25m replacement cultural centre was met with strong opposition from residents and grassroots campaigners who viewed the Coliseum as an integral part of Oldham's working-class heritage. A passionate campaign, led by actress Julie Hesmondhalgh—best known for her roles in Mr Bates vs The Post Office and Coronation Street—ultimately persuaded Oldham Council to back the refurbishment of the original building. The town hall agreed to cover the costs, securing the theatre's future on Fairbottom Street.

Since work began, the project has been challenging. In a recent video update featuring Hesmondhalgh and Tilbury Douglas contract managers, the scale of the renovation was laid bare, with the theatre's interior shown completely stripped back to its shell. Billy McNicholas from Tilbury Douglas addressed the ongoing asbestos issue: "We're still uncovering pockets of asbestos as you would expect in a building of this age and condition. They're being dealt with in the right way health and safety wise." He added that asbestos was widely used in construction before the year 2000 and its presence in older structures is common. The firm is using specialised asbestos enclosures with air vents to safely handle and dispose of the hazardous material, which can cause serious lung diseases if not managed properly.

The original timeline had targeted a reopening in time for the 2025 pantomime season, but that date was postponed indefinitely last year due to the complexity of the work. A council spokesperson reassured the community that progress is being made, albeit carefully. "Work is continuing to make good progress on the refurbishment of Oldham Coliseum Theatre, with contractors Tilbury Douglas progressing a complex programme of works inside the building," the spokesperson said. "Our focus remains on making sure the theatre reopens as a high-quality venue that will serve Oldham for generations to come. Rather than rushing the process, we are taking the time needed to get the building right so that when audiences return to the Coliseum, they can enjoy the very best experience."

In the interim, the Coliseum has kept its connection with the community alive by staging productions at other venues across the borough, such as Whittles and George Street Chapel. This ensures that the theatre continues to contribute to Oldham's cultural landscape despite the absence of its permanent home. The council did not provide an estimated completion date when asked, urging patience as the complex renovation continues.

The Coliseum has long been a cherished institution in Oldham, particularly remembered for its annual pantomimes which have delighted audiences for generations. The careful approach to the refurbishment, including the meticulous handling of asbestos and other structural challenges, reflects a commitment to preserving this historic building for future generations. As the work progresses, the community eagerly awaits the day when the doors of the Coliseum will reopen, restoring a vital part of Oldham's cultural heritage.