Theatre looking at new chapter

Former Oldham Library and Art Gallery — plans for new theatre?

THEATRE fans could be enjoying a night out at the library if an idea to move Oldham Coliseum into the old library building on Union Street gets the go-ahead.

The theatre commissioned a feasibility study five months ago into the possibility and cost of creating a state-of-the-art performance space inside the Union Street building.

But Coliseum chief executive David Martin urged caution saying plans were still in their infancy and no cash had been identified.

He said: “Our aspiration for the past 10 years has been to move into a new site in Oldham.

“Using the library building would bring a much-loved building back into public use.

“This is one of many ideas we are looking into.

“There is no money on the table from any source to pay for it.

“We are currently concentrating on ways to maximise the development of the current site and raise additional money from trusts and foundations to improve it.”

A total of £2million council cash is being used to refurbish the current theatre in Fairbottom Street to tackle heating and asbestos issues.

But if the idea proves feasible, the theatre plans to begin approaching potential stakeholders such as Oldham Council about making it a reality.

Mr Martin said: “It would be absolutely fantastic if this library scheme came off but we’re not holding our breath.

“It remains an aspiration but it’s good to get the study done should the economic situation change.”

Council leader Jim McMahon said: “These are very early stages and we’re not making any promises we are not confident we can deliver. When we are in a position to release any information, we will do.”