Why cinema ‘will save historic town hall’
COUNCIL chiefs in Oldham have produced a report to underline why the historic Old Town Hall must be transformed into an 800-seat, seven-screen Odeon cinema in a £36.72m scheme.
Developers have been on site at the venue since October 2013 delivering a development which will also include six new restaurant units, a glass extension with views across Parliament Square.
The Cabinet report says the Council set out to secure the future of the iconic Grade II listed building, increase visitor numbers to the town be creating a “leisure anchor” scheme as part of a wider and improved cultural and retail offer as well as providing a catalyst to the local economy and attract further investment.
Oldham Council is making a direct contribution to the project of £26.3m which will come from capital programme funding (£16.29m), a contribution from its reserves (£10m), and the use of a one-off Manchester Airport dividend (£1m).
Council leader Jim McMahon said: “When Oldham was at its industrial peak the Old Town Hall was a statement of civic pride but in recent years it became a symbol of decline and a very serious financial liability.
“We know this building is hugely important to local people and also to the future prospects of Oldham town centre’s economy.
“I welcome this report in explaining the costs and reasoning behind our decision to invest in this scheme because it’s important that we’re fully transparent about this with the public.”
The Old Town Hall was built in 1841 but ceased to be operational as a public building in the 1990s.
