In early 2024, Oldham Council confirmed that the historic Fairbottom Street building will be restored and brought back into use as the home of Oldham Coliseum. The £10 million project is being funded through £6.1 million from the Towns Fund, with the remainder from the Council’s regeneration budget.
This approach replaces earlier plans for a new theatre on Union Street and focuses instead on preserving and improving the much loved Fairbottom Street venue.
Contractor Tilbury Douglas is now on site carrying out the restoration work, which includes a new entrance, improved access, a new roof and the removal of asbestos. The theatre is now scheduled to reopen in 2026 following the discovery of additional work required during early construction.
Julie Hesmondhalgh and Cllr Arooj Shah