Oldham Coliseum Theatre will not reopen until 2027 after extensive asbestos and major structural issues were discovered during refurbishment work.
The theatre on Fairbottom Street has been closed since April 2023. Surveys involving intrusive inspections of the building's walls found a basement beneath the entrance foyer, structural defects beneath one staircase, and asbestos that is "more widespread than we would have liked", according to Matthew Bulmer, project director for Oldham Council.
The discovery has pushed back the reopening date and triggered the need for an extra £7m grant to address the problems. The total refurbishment budget is now £10m.
Supporting the venue
The closure has been backed by a campaign to save the theatre, supported by former Coronation Street actor Julie Hesmondhalgh. She said: "Everyone understands that getting things right and making the beautiful old girl properly future-proof is the number one priority."
Actors union Equity said it had met theatre management over the delays and would "ensure regular contact", adding it hoped to "work constructively towards this much-loved venue being fully functioning next year".
Funding and asbestos concerns
No money will come from Oldham Council's budget and no costs will be passed on to council tax payers. The £7m comes from a grant and a contingency fund.
Asbestos, once valued for its strength and fireproofing in old buildings, is now banned. If disturbed, its fibres can cause severe, incurable lung diseases. Extreme care is required during removal.
Theatre continues to operate
While the Fairbottom Street venue remains closed, operators Oldham Coliseum Theatre Limited have continued to put on events across the borough.
Chief Executive Martina Murphy said: "The Oldham Coliseum is more than a building. It's where generations of people have discovered theatre, laughed together and created lasting memories."