Building firm chosen to restore Victorian theatre

A construction firm has been selected to lead the refurbishment of a historic theatre, which is set to reopen after it was controversially closed in 2023.

Council leader Arooj Shah said bringing in Tilbury Douglas for the job at Oldham Coliseum was "a huge milestone" as the venue prepares to open in time for 2025's Christmas pantomime season.

The theatre, which was first constructed in 1885, was forced to shut after Arts Council England withdrew its funding amid concerns over its management, while Oldham Council said the building was "no longer fit for purpose".

The local authority planned to replace it with a new, smaller £24m theatre, but has eventually scrapped that idea in favour of refurbishing the existing building after a huge campaign.

Local residents and famous actors including Julie Hesmondhalgh, who starred in the recent ITV drama Mr Bates vs the Post Office, were among those calling for the old building to stay.

Martina Murphy, the theatre's chairwoman, said: "People living in our town deserve to see their stories reflected on and off the stage and we're honoured to be working with such supportive partners and funders, as we continue to reimagine theatre in Oldham and its potential to help regenerate the town centre and reach more people than ever before."

The council has committed £10m to the project, which includes £6.1m from the government's Towns Fund and the remainder from the council's regeneration budget.

Tilbury Douglas has been transforming the historic Old Library in the town and will now spearhead the restoration of the Fairbottom Street theatre, which has featured the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Ralph Fiennes and House of the Dragon's Olivia Cooke.

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