It’s been a long time coming, but plans have now been approved for a new £16 million arts and heritage centre in Oldham.
The new facility is set to “showcase the story” of the town’s past.
In what marks the third phase of an over two-decade transformation plan to establish a what will be a ‘cultural quarter’ in the town centre, plans have been approved to develop the Greater Manchester town’s former library and art gallery building on Union Street.
It comes after plans to create the centre were previously approved in 2018 – but subsequent surveys eventually showed extra alterations to the building were required.
A £27 millon project to relocate the Coliseum theatre was scrapped in 2018.
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But now, according the Oldham Council and the BBC, the Grade II-listed building – which was built all the way back in 1883 – will house the town’s museum, archives, local studies and store in one location.
The new facility is set to “showcase the story” of the town’s past. / Credit: Oldham Council
It will focus on Oldham’s role in the cotton industry to the present day.
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The Local Democracy Reporting Service said a new application for the visionary £16 million centre refurbishment was submitted to create a “safe, secure, usable shell” for the historic Union Street building, all before it was fully fitted out.
“It’s about securing the efficient use of the building, and the extent of the changes does amount to public benefit,” a spokesperson for Oldham Council said.
Speaking on the prospect of the centre’s transformation back in 2018, and the importance of arts and culture in Oldham, Cllr Sean Fielding added: “Culture is something that will set Oldham apart from other towns.
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“[It] makes us a place that people want to visit and it is still very much part of the offer that we want to build in Oldham town centre and it’s very important.”
Featured Image – Oldham Council
Oldham
Police shut down suspected brothel in Oldham following concerns raised by locals
Emily Sergeant
Police have shut down what they believe to have been a brothel in Oldham during the early hours of this morning.
Following concerns raised by the local community and years of gathering intelligence, officers from Greater Manchester Police‘s (GMP) Oldham Neighbourhood Team executed a warrant at a premises on Broadway in Oldham earlier this morning (14 October 2026), as they believed it to be operating as a brothel.
The warrant was executed as a result of the unrelated arrest of a man believed to be connected to the business.
When police seized a mobile phone from the man, examination of the device uncovered evidence which provided them with grounds to suspect the premises was being used for the control of prostitution.
During the operation this morning, a woman in her 40s was found and spoken to by officers. Once safeguarding measures were put in place by GMP, she was subsequently arrested on suspicion of immigration-related offences and possession of Class A drugs.
Police have shut down a suspected brothel in Oldham following concerns raised by locals / Credit: GMP
A man – who police believed to be the owner of the premises – was also arrested on suspicion of controlling prostitution for gain.
Officers seized a number of items from the address too, including cash and timesheets, as part of the ongoing investigation.
“The concerns surrounding this premises have been raised by local residents and businesses for a considerable period of time, and today’s action is the result of years of intelligence gathering and partnership working,” explained Police Sergeant Tom Layton.
“By securing a Closure Notice, we have been able to immediately disrupt the activities taking place at the premises and prevent further harm, nuisance and criminality while legal proceedings continue.
“Premises suspected of facilitating criminality can have a significant impact on those living and working nearby, causing nuisance and concern.
“We have listened to the concerns of the community and have taken robust action to address them.”
Neighbourhood Inspector Amie Whitehead added: “Our priority is always to identify and safeguard those who may be vulnerable while pursuing those suspected of criminal offences.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to target anyone who seeks to exploit others and to ensure Oldham remains a safe place for residents, businesses and visitors alike.”
Featured Image – GMP
Oldham
RSPCA appeals after French bulldog found dead in Oldham canal
Daisy Jackson
The RSPCA has launched an appeal for information after finding a French Bulldog dead in a canal in Oldham.
The dog was discovered by a dog walker earlier this week, floating in the middle of a canal in Chadderton.
The French Bulldog was wearing a pink-red lead and matching collar, which were wrapped around his head and front leg.
He did not have a microchip, but the charity is hoping his lead might help him to be identified.
The dog was found at around 12.20pm on Monday 5 October on a section of the canal near Middleton Road.
The harness and lead the French bulldog was found wearing in the canal. Credit: RSPCA
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Beth Fazackerley said: “This was an incredibly upsetting incident for the member of the public who made this distressing discovery, and it is heartbreaking that this poor dog was found in such circumstances.
“We are keen to establish what happened, and would urge anyone who was in the area around Middleton Road at midday, on October 5, and may have information about what happened, to get in touch.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018, quoting incident number 01919098.
Emily Sergeant -
16th November 2021 
