Oldham Coliseum Theatre is now expected to reopen in 2027, following the discovery of additional structural work and asbestos-related issues during its refurbishment. Oldham Council has approved an extra £7 million in grant funding to complete the project, with no additional cost to local taxpayers.

The landmark theatre has been undergoing a major refurbishment by contractor Tilbury Douglas, aiming to preserve the historic building while upgrading it to modern safety and accessibility standards. Work completed so far includes a new roof, a redesigned backstage area with a wider accessible route to the stage, and new changing rooms, showers, and toilet facilities. The building has also been stripped back to remove outdated services in preparation for the next phase.

As surveys progressed, contractors uncovered a previously unknown basement beneath the entrance foyer, along with a Coliseum membership card dating back to 1953. More detailed inspections identified further necessary repairs, including work to structural elements and the safe removal of asbestos, which is commonly found in older buildings. This additional work has extended the construction timetable, pushing the reopening to 2027.

An Oldham Council spokesperson said: “Work is continuing to make good progress on the refurbishment of Oldham Coliseum Theatre. As these works have progressed, we have been able to do more detailed surveys on each part of the building. We have then discovered that more work is needed on areas like the staircase, where old buildings such as these can have issues with asbestos.

“The Coliseum is a historic venue, so making it fit to be the proper home of theatre in Oldham means we need more time to bring it back to life. We now anticipate a reopening in 2027.

“Our focus remains on making sure the theatre reopens as a high quality venue that will serve Oldham for generations to come. In the meantime, the Coliseum continues to produce fantastic work across the borough, presenting shows in venues including Whittles and George Street Chapel.”

Oldham Coliseum Theatre chief executive Martina Murphy emphasised that the venue remains active despite the building work. She said: “The Oldham Coliseum is more than a building. It’s where generations of people have discovered theatre, laughed together and created lasting memories. Every decision being made is about creating a theatre that honours its remarkable history while giving future generations a place to imagine and belong. We want people to walk through those doors knowing we’ve built something that will serve Oldham for decades to come.

“While work on the building continues, the Coliseum has remained active, developing artists, engaging communities and bringing theatre to audiences across the borough. With a strengthened creative leadership team now in place, we’re building on that momentum with confidence and are preparing for the reopening. The building may be under construction, but the Coliseum is very much alive.”

Guest curator Julie Hesmondhalgh acknowledged the disappointment but stressed the importance of getting the refurbishment right. She said: “Although it is obviously disappointing that we have to wait still longer for the reopening of our beloved Coli, I’m sure everyone understands that getting things right and making the beautiful old girl properly future proof is the number one priority.”