Plans have been put forward for Oldham's new £24 million theatre, set to be a new home for the Coliseum at the heart of the town's new cultural quarter.

The plans are for a modern and accessible theatre, suitable for modern audiences while in keeping with Oldham's proud history.

The theatre is set to be created in the historic Friends Meeting House and former Post Office, close to Gallery Oldham, the Old Library, the new home for Oldham Theatre Workshop and the site soon set to be Oldham's new outdoor arts and performance space.

Plans include a main auditorium seating more than 300 people, a 120-seat studio theatre, an education suite, and all-day café bar areas, which can also be used as additional performance spaces.

The plans have been shaped so far by Oldham Coliseum Theatre Ltd, theatre and arts experts, a range of partner organisations, local schoolchildren and members of the public.


Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: "This is such an exciting next step for Oldham Coliseum, theatregoers in Oldham and beyond, and everyone involved who has helped bring this new theatre to life.

"As council leader, I've made it one of my top priorities to push plans for our new theatre forward as I know how important it is to the people who live here and visit the town.

"We are absolutely committed to working with cultural organisations across Oldham, including the new Coliseum board, for the good of producing theatre in the borough. Oldham has such a fantastic heritage of theatre and production spanning back decades, so it’s important we continue this for future generations.

"It's also important to remember that this new space won’t just be a theatre; it will be a place that encourages people to come together with friends and family to get creative, socialise with one another and celebrate the arts.

"Plans for the Cultural Quarter are really coming together now and just recently Cabinet gave the go-ahead for a new public space which will sit right in the ‘heart’ of the three key buildings – the Old Library, the new theatre and Oldham Library/ Gallery Oldham.

"I personally can’t wait to see our new theatre throw open its doors."

The design of the new theatre has been influenced by the surrounding historical buildings, and materials have been carefully selected to complement the architecture and make sure it all works as one.

A decision will be made on the application in November 2023.