Grand plans to create a £24m new theatre in the heart of Oldham, which will be a new home for the now-closed Oldham Coliseum, have been revealed.
Images show what the new space could look like, including a huge wooden atrium, a lush green garden cafe bar, and more state-of-the-art spaces for performers and audiences.
The details plans for the modern and inclusive space are now on display to the public.
It’s all part of a vision to craft a cultural quarter in Oldham, and has had input from the Oldham Coliseum, the Arts Council, and other cultural organisations in the town.
Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “One of the very first things I did after becoming Leader of the Council last month was to meet with the Oldham Coliseum board.
“We agreed they will be tenants at the brand-new theatre we are building in Union Street – underlining our collective determination to work together for the good of theatre in the borough.
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“I’m really glad we can showcase more details on our proposals for the new theatre and get feedback input on them from our communities and theatre users. We asked what you wanted and you told us you want a modern and accessible venue where packed audiences can enjoy a variety of performances so take a look at how they’re coming along and let us know what you think and what else it needs.
Plans for a new theatre in Oldham, which would be home to the Oldham Coliseum. Credit: SuppliedPlans for a new theatre in Oldham, which would be home to the Oldham Coliseum. Credit: Supplied
“We are working hand-in-hand with the Oldham Coliseum, Arts Council and other cultural partners to shape these plans and, together, provide a theatre to be proud of and one that can support the Coliseum’s future as a thriving producing theatre company.”
Duncan Craig OBE, Chair of Trustees at Oldham Coliseum, said: “Since forming the new Board of Trustees for Oldham Coliseum Theatre, we met the key people including architects and project planners who are leading on this massive project.
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“We’re excited to see what Oldham residents and business owners have to say as the public consultation begins.
“There is, of course, much more to do before a new theatre, our new home, is realised but for us as a board, we think this is an exciting step in the journey.
“I’d encourage everyone to get involved and share their thoughts and opinions and I hope to meet as many people as possible – this is your theatre.”
Jennifer Cleary, Director North at Arts Council England, said: “We welcome this next stage in the development of Oldham’s new theatre, which will play a pivotal role in delivery of the borough’s cultural strategy and the future opportunities for young people, artists, creatives and the wider community in Oldham and beyond.
“The Arts Council remains committed to Oldham and we will continue to collaborate with and support partners in the realisation of these exciting plans.”
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A consultation will now take place between Tuesday 27 June and Monday 3 July.
An open event, where key people from Oldham Council and the Coliseum will be available to talk about the designs, will take place at Gallery Oldham in Greaves Street on Monday 3 July between 4pm and 7pm.
Greater Manchester Police release latest image of elderly missing woman last seen in Oldham
Danny Jones
Greater Manchester Police have released a new image of an elderly missing woman after she was last seen in the Oldham area.
The 76-year-old lady, named only as Susette, who is believed to be from the Shaw area, was most recently spotted on Oak Street at approximately 8:56pm this past Monday, 20 October.
Officers and locals alike are understandably growing increasingly concerned for her welfare.
Susette is described as an older white female, around 5’4″ in height, with a slim build and light blonde/greyish hair. You can see the latest sighting of her down below.
Police previously stated that she had been seen wearing a blue anorak, blue jeans, a beige jumper with black stripes and black trainers with white trim.
However, as you can see, she has since been spotted in a similar outfit, apart from now wearing a cream jacket, black trousers and black ‘running-style’ trainers with a white sole.
It is also now understood that she has dementia and is therefore considered vulnerable.
Local Liberal Democrat and councillor, Howard Sykes MBE, has also asked his fellow constituents to remain vigilant and come forward with any and all potentially useful information they may have.
Sharing another photo of her via his official online blog, he went on to add: “Please can we ask anyone with any information to please contact GMP and to keep a lookout when out and about in the community to ensure Susette is found safe and well.”
New from me: Missing Person – Urgent appeal
Missing Person – Urgent appeal.
There is currently a lady from Shaw missing, Susette was last seen leaving her home in Shaw on 20/10/25, 21:00pm approximately . It is believed she’s … https://t.co/oLSCoglqZNpic.twitter.com/x4sHJNhkzY
Seven men from Rochdale grooming gang jailed for more than 170 years collectively
Emily Sergeant
Seven men from the Rochdale grooming gang, including the ringleader, have all been jailed for more than 170 years collectively.
The group has been sentenced following a high-profile investigation by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) into the non-recent grooming of two vulnerable girls in Rochdale between 2001 and 2006.
They have been formally named as Mohammed Zahid, Kasir Bashir, Mushtaq Ahmed, Roheez Khan, Mohammed Shahzad, Nisar Hussain, and Naheem Akram, who are all from either Rochdale or Oldham, with the exception of one residing in Crumpsall.
A jury convicted the seven men of a total of 50 child sexual offences back in June, including several counts of rape, indecency with a child, and assault by penetration.
Most notably, the ringleader of the gang, 64-year-old Mohammed Zahid, received the largest sentence of 35 years imprisonment.
Zahid was sentenced after being found guilty of 20 offences including rape, indecency with a child, and attempting to procure a girl into having unlawful sexual intercourse.
“My voice matters because I was believed.”
Two survivors of child sexual exploitation have received long-awaited justice after a GMP investigation led to 7 men jailed for 174 years.
Investigators from GMP’s specialist Child Sexual Exploitation Major Investigations Team (CSE MIT) have led a ‘complex’ and ‘meticulous’ investigation to bring about the sentences, working with partners to ensure the victims remained at the heart throughout.
A total of 32 offenders have now been brought to justice and jailed for a collective 474 years as part of two major investigations in the past decade into non-recent child sexual exploitation in Rochdale.
12 of the men have been convicted of 72 offences as part of Operation Lytton, and a further 20 men are due on trial – including six men on trial from 6 October.
Speaking following the sentencing this week, Detective Chief Inspector Guy Laycock, who is senior investigating officer on the case, commented: “I must start by paying tribute to the two survivors in this case, as they have been pivotal in bringing these abusers to long-awaited justice… and without them this would not be possible and today is about them.
“These seven men preyed on vulnerability for their own depraved sexual gain.
“They had a callous disregard for these women when they were girls and continue to show no remorse for their unforgivable actions all these years later.
“The team of dedicated investigators on this case have put thousands of hours into securing this outcome.
“Bringing child abusers to justice is why we work so tirelessly day-in day-out, and I am so pleased for the victims that we have been able to help deliver this justice for them.”
Daisy Jackson -
30th June 2023 
