Heritage contractor appointed to bring Oldham Coliseum back to life
Oldham Council has appointed Tilbury Douglas to lead the refurbishment of the Oldham Coliseum, with the goal of reopening the theatre in time for Panto 2025. The project is supported by £10 million from the council, £6.1 million from the Towns Fund, and additional funding from the council's regeneration budget.
Oldham Coliseum Theatre will rise again by Christmas 2025 after Oldham Council appointed Tilbury Douglas to lead the £16.1 million restoration of the shuttered Fairbottom Street landmark.
The contractor, already converting the town’s historic Old Library, will draw up detailed refurbishment plans now that preliminary works by local firm D Hughes Demolition are almost complete. The council has earmarked £10 million for the project, supplemented by £6.1 million from the Towns Fund and the balance from its regeneration budget.
“I’m so excited for the future of Oldham Coliseum - this is a huge milestone,” Council Leader Arooj Shah declared. “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.”
Phil Shaw, Tilbury Douglas Managing Director - North, said the firm will apply lessons from the Old Library scheme to “create spaces that enrich communities, supporting Oldham’s cultural ambitions while preserving its heritage.” His colleague Martin Horne pledged their “community-focused approach” will celebrate the venue’s history while boosting the local economy.
Actor Julie Hesmondhalgh, a leading Friend of the Coliseum, hailed the news as proof of the venue’s national significance. “Charlie Chaplin to Ralph Fiennes, from Sian Phillips to Barbara Knox… hundreds of people started their career here,” she noted. “I’m over the moon that this amazing building will live on for future generations.”
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