New home for Oldham Coliseum company confirmed as bosses promise 'modern and sustainable' venue

The theatre company that ran the former Oldham Coliseum that closed earlier this year has been given the go-ahead to move into a new £24.5m theatre, which will open in the town in 2026. Oldham Council today confirmed the news that The Oldham Coliseum Theatre Ltd will be the anchor tenant for the venue.

Discussions between the new Board of Oldham Coliseum Theatre Ltd (OTC) and Oldham Council have been ongoing since the board was appointed earlier this year, and following its unsuccessful application to remain in ACE’s National Portfolio from 1 April 2023, which led to the closure of the 138-year-old Coliseum on March 31.

Plans for a new theatre to replace Oldham's historic theatre were revealed in February following the council's recommitment to the development of a new theatre in the borough. Oldham Council has also submitted a proposal to Arts Council England for the ringfenced £1.845m over the next three years – which would see OCT playing a key role in the delivery of the arts and cultural programme alongside other cultural organisations.

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Construction of the new theatre, which be located on Greaves Street as part of Oldham’s Cultural Quarter, is being funded by Oldham Council, and and opening is scheduled for 2026 with OCT as its anchor tenant. Earlier in the year, Council chiefs said they wanted to open a new ‘more modern’ theatre – which would be smaller than the 585-seat Coliseum.

In the lead up to the opening of the new theatre, discussions between Oldham Council and OCT have focused on the delivery of 'high-quality' arts and culture to the people of Oldham, across a range of venues across the borough. OCT are also currently exploring new