Lights, camera, build: new arts and culture space approved for Oldham

Cabinet members from Oldham Council have approved plans for a new public space to host outdoor entertainment.

At the beginning of this week councillors from Oldham Council gave the go-ahead for a new space to be sectioned off for arts and events.

Close to the proposed new theatre, the library and the Old Library, the space will be able to hold an outdoor stage, and will also be adaptable to suit activities such as outdoor art classes and theatre performances.

The inspiration to create the new area came from the aim that the space will become the ‘heart’ of Oldham’s growing Cultural Quarter, bringing together the three key buildings – the current Library and Gallery, the restored Old Library which is set to open in early 2025 and the new theatre, which subject to planning permission is expected to open in 2026.

As part of the work, improvements will also be made to Southgate, Ashworth, and Greeves Street to include planting, new trees, seating areas, external lighting and improved paving. 

Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: ‘This is great news for residents, community groups and visitors to Oldham, who will soon have a fantastic new outdoor space for arts and culture that everyone can enjoy – right at the heart of our new Cultural Quarter.

‘This decision also marks another important step in the fast-moving redevelopment of our town centre; creating a better place for people to work, live and raise their families.

‘While there’s so much to be proud of in Oldham’s past, we have a lot to be excited for in the future, and this new addition to our town centre will be one of them.

‘The changes will come at the perfect time, as lots more people will be coming into town to shop in the new home for Tommyfield Market, attend an event in the new events space and watch shows at the new theatre. I’m really looking forward to seeing work get underway.’

News of the new space being constructed have come as another brand-new public space with planting, seating and better paving in Hilton Square is set to open up.

The design includes a fully accessible central square that can hold up to 150 people for a stage, complete with light and sound. This will create a more intimate, vibrant, outdoor venue in the town centre that performers and audiences can make use of.

Image: Oldham Council