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.
The ‘truly distinguished’ Grade II-listed house on the market for under £1m in the Greater Manchester countryside
Emily Sergeant
A Grade II-listed detached stone residence is on the market in one of Greater Manchester’s most sought-after rural villages.
And the best bit? It’s actually currently being listed at just under the £1 million mark.
Now, despite this being a little cheaper than others properties we feature, it goes without saying that the vast majority of us won’t have this kind of money just sitting in bank accounts right now… but if like us, you’ve got no shame in admitting you love looking at houses you can’t afford in places you’ll probably never live, then allow us to introduce you to this absolute beauty.
This is Springwood House – an exceptional Grade II-listed four-bedroom detached family home that estate agents describe as being ‘truly distinguished’.
This is Springwood House / Credit: West Riding
Nestled in the heart of Delph village – which is one of Saddleworth’s best-loved residential areas, thanks to being within easy reaching distance of a wide range of amenities, good local schools, transport links, and of course, countryside – one of the most noticeable things about this property is just how many original features there are.
We’re talking original Victorian tiles, solid oak floors, and preserved period architrave and archway, sash windows, open fireplaces in nearly every room… the list goes on.
The property is lucky to boast several spacious reception rooms, dining room spaces, a bespoke kitchen that’s been thoughtfully designed to complement the property’s heritage with a convenient utility room, and even well-kept cellars.
The ‘truly distinguished’ Grade II-listed house is on the market for under £1m / Credit: West Riding
Once you ascend the beautiful staircase, you’ll find four generously proportioned bedrooms.
Two of the bedrooms benefit from their own ensuites, three retain original fireplaces, and all enjoy sash windows, fitted wardrobes or storage cupboards, and captivating views over the surrounding countryside.
There’s also two bathrooms – one featuring a freestanding bath and separate shower, and the other offering a shower over bath with exposed beams.
It’s nestled in the picturesque Saddleworth village of Delph, with countryside surrounds / Credit: West Riding
And, of course, just as you’d expect in a picturesque neighbourhood like this one, Springwood House is just as stunning outside as it is on the inside.
Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, the property offers three separate seating areas positioned to enjoy the sun throughout the day, enhanced by the relaxing sound of the nearby river and pond, all set against the backdrop of the Saddleworth countryside.
The property also boasts ample off-road parking for multiple vehicles, and a substantial garage too.
This property is currently on the market with Uppermill-based independent estate agents, West Riding, for and if you fancy taking a closer look, then you can contact the agents to arrange a viewing.
Featured Image – West Riding
Oldham
The route for the 2027 Tour de France Femmes revealed ahead of Manchester debut
Danny Jones
The route for next year’s women’s historic Tour de France has been announced, with some of the best riders in the world set to pass through Greater Manchester and more.
Yet another big coup for the region and our sporting scene.
Speaking with the City Council, now that the full route has been revealed, our very own Dame Sarah Storey joined many in celebrating another huge moment for us; the female Tour de France is not just back up and running, but aiming to become bigger than ever.
🚴♀️ The world’s best cyclists are heading to Manchester! 🚴♀️
The routes for the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift 2027 have now been revealed, with Manchester set to host the Stage One finish on Friday 30 July and the Stage Two start on Saturday 31 July. pic.twitter.com/OMMlhdorqP
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) April 21, 2026
The Stockport-born swimmer turned Team GB cyclist and multi-Olympic gold medallist knows all about what makes this particular sport special, having swapped a previous and highly successful career for an entirely different discipline.
As has now been fully confirmed, the 2027 Grand Départ will be getting underway with our friends in Leeds, before heading through Yorkshire and into Greater Manchester.
Upon entering our neck of the woods, the course will pass through the likes of Rochdale and Oldham into Manchester city centre, before heading into Stockport and neighbouring North West county, Derbyshire, and finally heading back through the Peaks.
Spread across two incredible days, the race itself will finish in Sheffield, with another UK first happening down in London, as the capital will also host the inaugural team time trial held in this country.
You can see the official event’s breakdown of what locations feature in which stages of ‘The Big Loop’ in more detail below.
Leader of Manchester City Council, Bev Craig, went on to add: “Being able to watch the world’s best cyclists in action and in such an iconic event, taking place right here on our doorstep in the heart of Manchester next summer, is going to be epic on so many levels.
“Championing women and girls to participate in and enjoy sports – including cycling – at all levels from entry through to elite, is really important to us and next year’s Tour de France Femmes is set to play a huge part in helping inspire the next generation of sporting talent from our city.
“With millions of spectators expected to line the routes, including here in the city centre, we’ll be going all out to help ensure the event’s success with what is set to be a ‘Tour takeover’ of the city to maximise opportunities for local people and businesses to get involved, to grow their own sporting skills, and to take part in the many community activities being planned.”
Having hosted everything from the BRITs and the MOBO Awards to another Super League Grand Finals in both netball and rugby, not to mention numerous other huge events over the past couple of years, it truly is a great time to be living in Greater Manchester.
Daisy Jackson -
30th June 2023 
