Oldham Council approves new space for arts and culture

Oldham Council cabinet members approved plans for a new public space within Oldham’s Cultural Quarter last night (July 24), meaning a new open area for arts and events is now set to be developed.

Close to the proposed new theatre, the library and the Old Library, the space will be able to hold an outdoor stage and will also be adaptable to suit activities such as outdoor arts classes, theatre performances and more.

The aim is that the space will become the ‘heart’ of Oldham’s growing Cultural Quarter, bringing together the three key buildings – the current Library and Gallery, the restored Old Library which is set to open in early 2025, and the new theatre, which, subject to planning permission, is expected to open in 2026.

As part of the work, improvements will also be made to Southgate, Ashworth, and Greeves Street to include planting, new trees, seating areas, external lighting and improved paving.

Cllr Arooj Shah, leader of Oldham Council, said: “This is great news for residents, community groups and visitors to Oldham, who will soon have a fantastic new outdoor space for arts and culture that everyone can enjoy – right at the heart of our new Cultural Quarter.

“This decision also marks another important step in the fast moving redevelopment of our town centre, creating a better place for people to work, live and raise their families.

“The changes will come at the perfect time, as lots more people will be coming into town to shop in the new home for Tommyfield Market, attend an event in the new events space and watch shows at the new theatre.”

This new arts and culture space comes hot on the heels of Hilton Square, another new public space with planting, seating and better paving, opening up in the town centre.

The design includes a fully accessible central square that can hold up to 150 people for a stage, complete with light and sound. This will create a more intimate, vibrant, outdoor venue in the town centre that performers and audiences can make use of.

To ensure there is minimal disruption during the construction, the project will be delivered in phases.

Phase one will be combined with the completion of the Old Library in early 2025 and phase two will coincide with the final works to the new theatre, set to open in 2026.

The proposed plans have been designed after feedback from the Big Oldham Conversation and stakeholders including, Gallery Oldham, Oldham Theatre Workshop and Oldham Coliseum Theatre.

The Cultural Quarter, when complete, will include an extended community gallery space and home for Oldham Theatre Workshop at the restored Old Library, a new theatre, and Gallery Oldham and Oldham Library, with events including the popular live@thelibrary programme.