A decision to save the beloved Oldham Coliseum was made weeks ago. Plans to ditch the construction of a new home for the theatre - and instead use some of the money to save the current building - have only now been announced because of election rules, the town's council boss has said. Labour town hall leader Arooj Shah said the U-turn had already been decided upon, but 'purdah' stopped the news being made public ahead of last week's general election.
During the pre-election period, immediately before voters go to the polls, governments - and local councils - must follow certain restrictions in the announcements they make. Bosses have to be cautious about announcing news that could have an impact on campaigning. On Monday (July 9), it was revealed proposals for a new, £24.
5m arts and culture venue in Oldham town centre had been scrapped. Those plans were drawn up after Oldham Coliseum was forced to close last year after Arts Council England withdrew funding. READ MORE: Julie Hesmondhalgh leads celebrations as Oldham Coliseum saved after U-turn An initial design was abandoned when the projected of the new theatre doubled.
The new plans were for a smaller 'arts and and culture venue without a producing theatre, which 'no one wanted', actor and campaigner Julie Hesmondhalgh said. Instead, the old venue will be transformed. It is set to reopen by panto season next year.
The £10m refurbishment will be paid for with £6m from the Towns Fund - government money for 'levelling up' pr.
