Oldham Coliseum delayed: Liberal Democrats seek answers on Fairbottom Street refurbishment

Oldham Liberal Democrat Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE is looking for answers over the delayed renovation of Oldham Coliseum.  In December 2024, Labour’s Leader of Oldham Council promised that the Coliseum would be ready to open its doors for the 2025 panto season.  But in recent weeks, she has had to concede that the historic Fairbottom Street venue will not be ready in time.

Councillor Sykes said, “This is not just a concern for performers and audience members but also for local businesses – who will have heard the Leaders’ promise and hoped for a profitable panto season.

“The Coliseum’s pantomime has always been important for funding the work the theatre does over the rest of the year.  So the loss of a panto season is bad news all round.” 

Sykes has written to Labour Leader Arooj Shah asking her to explain the delay, confirm a date for the completion and confirm that there is still enough money in the budget to complete the job.

Councillor Sykes said, “We don’t want endless delays, or worse, a scaled down renovation. I would have put these questions to the Leader directly at the last council meeting, but unfortunately Labour and their so-called Independent coalition partners teamed up to block questions from the Opposition.”