New vision for £25m Oldham Coliseum Theatre
The latest vision for the new Oldham Coliseum Theatre has been unveiled, ahead of the submission of a planning application.
Oldham Council and Oldham Coliseum Theatre have been working on a redesign with Mecanoo, the project architects, following the addition of plans for a studio theatre and feedback on the initial proposals.
The new £25m theatre is part of a phased project just yards from the Oldham Central Metrolink stop. It will be located alongside a new Heritage and Arts centre linked with Gallery Oldham, Library and Lifelong Learning Centre.
The facility will be built on the Southgate Street car park site next to the grade-II listed former library building, which will house the Heritage and Arts Centre.
The new Coliseum Theatre designs now incorporate a 170-seat studio theatre in addition to a main auditorium for 500 people.
New images show how the proposed front elevation of the modern new-build facility could look from three viewpoints on Union Street, plus a side section from Waterloo Street showing the internal layout and uses.
Francesco Veenstra, partner at project architects, Mecanoo said: “The design for the new Coliseum Theatre aims to provide Oldham with a platform for artistic expression – professional performers and community participants – that is welcoming to all.
“We wanted to capture the ‘spirit of the Coliseum’ by creating an intimate and cosy atmosphere for theatregoers as well as state of the art facilities for performers, technicians and other Coliseum staff.
“Oldham’s rich history as a cotton weaving powerhouse is reflected in the building’s architecture, with the brick pattern referencing cotton designs that were created in Oldham.”
Jean Stretton, Oldham Council leader, said: “The Cultural Quarter project is the next vital step in regenerating Oldham town centre and making it a destination that residents can be proud of with better facilities and preserved heritage.
“Building a new home for the Coliseum Theatre is absolutely central to these plans. It will secure their future prospects and new audiences, and also help us to attract a new type of visitor to town through a great arts, culture and leisure offer.”
The project was given the green light after a joint funding bid by Oldham Council and Oldham Coliseum Theatre secured a £7.1m National Lottery-funded capital grant from Arts Council England towards the project.
Subject to planning approval, construction work is anticipated to start in April 2018 with the venue set to open in 2020.
