Oldham Coliseum gets £656k Arts Council boost for reopening

Oldham's Coliseum Theatre is getting a £656,147 boost from Arts Council England to help reopen the venue that closed suddenly in 2023. The funding extends a £1.845m package pledged to Oldham Council two years ago and will create a new governance structure and cultural program for the Fairbottom Street theatre.

The council plans to match the grant with £138,000 for the Coliseum and £127,000 towards developing a new theatre model, bringing total investment this year to over £921,000. Deputy leader Elaine Taylor said the funding is 'critical to our regeneration strategy' and will support creativity, jobs, and make the town centre a place where people want to spend time.

The theatre's closure came after Arts Council withdrew funding due to financial problems and building issues, sparking furious grassroots campaigning led by actor Julie Hesmondhalgh. The council then agreed to fund a £10m renovation to bring the venue back to life.

This year's Arts Council funding applications were delayed due to the Hodge Review, a government report into how the organisation is funded and managed. Instead of opening new bids, former successful applicants like Oldham Council have been offered grant extensions with the option to apply for similar amounts next year.