Home / Arts and Entertainment / Asbestos delays Oldham theatre reopening until 2027
Asbestos delays Oldham theatre reopening until 2027
15 Jul
Summary
- Theatre closure extended to 2027 due to asbestos and structural defects.
- An additional £7m grant secured for essential repairs and asbestos removal.
- The refurbishment project faces a significant delay beyond initial expectations.
Oldham's Coliseum Theatre, undergoing a major refurbishment, will not reopen until 2027. This revised timeline is due to the discovery of widespread asbestos and substantial building defects. The initial £10 million refurbishment project now requires an additional £7 million grant to clear the hazardous material and repair structural problems found beneath a staircase.
These issues were uncovered during recent surveys involving building wall inspections. Project director Matthew Bulmer noted that while asbestos is expected in older buildings, the extent found at the Coliseum was beyond initial estimates. Actors union Equity has met with theatre management to discuss the delays, emphasizing the importance of making the venue safe and future-proof before its eventual reopening.
