Oldham Coliseum Saved: Liberal Democrats welcome Oldham Council U-turn as new future for Fairbottom Street in sight
Oldham Liberal Democrat Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE has welcomed news that new funding is to be made available for the Oldham Coliseum Theatre. The news that the Coliseum will reopen at it’s historic Fairbottom Street home comes after hard campaigning including a successful motion to Oldham Council submitted by the Liberal Democrats.
Councillor Sykes said, “This is excellent news and not a moment too soon for the Coliseum. It’s a victory for the campaigners who have made this happen. The Liberal Democrats put constant pressure on the Labour Council to step in. Most recently we won a vote which pushed the Council to look again at funding for the Fairbottom street venue by re-purposing town centre regeneration funding.”
The Coliseum closed its doors in March 2023 after Arts Council England withdrew its funding, sparking huge outcry from the public and a host of famous actors from across the UK.
Councillor Sykes said, “It should never have happened. Over recent years the Oldham Council has had many opportunities to intervene and hasn’t done so. The only reason we have been able to pressure the Council to act is because Labour no longer has a majority.”
“But this is great news for the future of the Coliseum and on this occasion, Liberal Democrat councillors are all too happy for the Labour Administration to steal our ideas. This is about preserving a true cultural icon and the jewel in Oldham Borough’s crown.”
“Big step forward” for Oldham Coliseum as Liberal Democrats win council vote to put Fairbottom Street renovations back on the table
A proposal submitted to a Council meeting by Oldham Liberal Democrats which aims to renovate the famous Fairbottom Street home of Oldham Coliseum has been approved by councillors.
Liberal Democrat councillors Garth Harkness of Saddleworth North and Hazel Gloster of Shaw set out a motion which would see funding from other town centre projects reallocated to the renovation of the Fairbottom Street venue.
Councillor Harkness said, “The Coliseum has put Oldham on the map. Viability studies have now confirmed that the venue is not beyond repair and could be brought back into use. Liberal Democrats are proposing that town centre regeneration funds are used so that the Coliseum can stay on Fairbottom Street where it belongs.”
Councillor Gloster urged councillors to “seize the day” and vote for the plan.
“Oldham Coliseum has been the jewel in Oldham’s crown, and we have to do everything we can to protect it for future generations”, she added.
The motion passed unanimously, after being amended by Labour, was heralded as a “big step forward” in the campaign to save Oldham Coliseum.
Leader of Oldham Liberal Democrats councillor Howard Sykes MBE said, “Since the Coliseum sadly closed its doors almost a year ago, the public support for the theatre has been enormous. Our motion has now firmly put the home of the Coliseum at Fairbottom Street back on the agenda.”
“There have been a lot of failures and missed opportunities by Oldham Council and by Arts Council England and the fact is that we have had to embarrass Labour into taking real action. This is the right approach for the Coliseum to remain a producing theatre. It’s the right approach financially and it’s right for Oldham. This is a big step forward in the effort to save Oldham Coliseum.”
Liberal Democrats call for regeneration cash to be used to save Oldham Coliseum
Oldham’s Liberal Democrat councillors have set out proposals that could save Oldham Coliseum in the lead up to Oldham Council’s final meeting before the May local elections.
Liberal Democrat Leader and Leader of the Opposition councillor Howard Sykes MBE said, “Since the Coliseum announced that it would have to close its doors, the public support for the Theatre has been phenomenal. Oldham residents, theatregoers from across the country, as well as some of the biggest names in UK performing arts are united by a desire to save the Oldham Coliseum; and keep it on Fairbottom Street where it belongs.”
“Despite a decade of failure from the Council, the Government and Arts Council England, Liberal Democrats still believe it is possible to bring the Fairbottom Street building back into use. That’s why we’re bringing a motion to Oldham Council this month (13/3/24) which will commit the Council to reallocating the funds and making the necessary investigations so that the Oldham Coliseum can stay in its home.”
In their motion, the Liberal Democrats have stated that the closure of the much-loved venue signifies a serious failure by all parties involved, with the withdrawal of ACE funding – and the failure to secure the long-term future of the site, despite missed opportunities linked with town centre regeneration projects.
Councillor Sykes said, “The Coliseum is an Oldham treasure. The Council has not done all in its power to protect it.”
“In September 2023, despite the then leadership of our Council publicly stating otherwise, a study commissioned by the Coliseum Board concluded that the Fairbottom Street building is not beyond repair and could be used again.”
“It is possible for the Labour administration to reallocate funds from other town centre regeneration projects which are already connected with the future of Oldham Coliseum. Doing this would bring forward the funds needed to make the repairs needed at the Fairbottom Street site.”
“It’s a political choice to allow the Fairbottom Street site to remain closed. It is for the ruling Labour Group to decide if they will back our proposals or stay the course with their various town centre spending plans at the expense of Oldham Coliseum.”
Full Council 13/03/2024 – Notice of Opposition Business
Liberal Democrat Group Motion: Save Oldham Coliseum
Proposed by: Councillor Garth Harkness
Seconded by: Councillor Hazel Gloster
This Council believes:
Oldham Coliseum Theatre was a treasured local asset that has drawn audiences from across the country to Fairbottom Street for more than 135 years. Its productions have put Oldham on the map and brought acclaim from across the UK’s arts and culture sector. For many years, the Coliseum has been one of only a handful of producing theatres outside of London, providing a platform for the development of new work.
The closure of its Fairbottom Street home signifies a serious failure by all parties involved, with the withdrawal of ACE funding – and the failure to secure the long-term future of the site, despite missed opportunities linked with town centre regeneration projects.
This Council notes that:
Since the Coliseum announced that it would close in March 2023, the public support for the Theatre has been phenomenal. Oldham residents, theatregoers from across the country, as well as some of the biggest names in UK performing arts are united by a desire to resolve the difficulties facing the Oldham Coliseum; and keep it on Fairbottom Street where it belongs.
In September 2023, despite the then leadership of this Council publicly stating otherwise, a study commissioned by the Coliseum Board concluded that the Fairbottom Street building is not beyond repair and could be used again and brought up to a modern standard with the appropriate investment.
Investing in the Fairbottom building could be a much more cost-effective proposal freeing up millions for other projects and much needed regeneration.
This Council resolves to:
1) Examine the feasibility of refurbishing and investing into the Fairbottom Street building.
2) Explore funding streams that could help finance the redevelopment of the existing venue, including the reallocation of funds from other initiatives linked with the future of Oldham Coliseum.
3) Bring a report to cabinet as soon as possible outlining the steps that this Council can take to support the Oldham Coliseum Theatre to remain at home, on Fairbottom Street, which would also help regenerate that part of Oldham town centre and Yorkshire Street.
It is almost 18 months since the publication of the Newsam & Ridgeway report into historical child safeguarding failures in Oldham.
The harrowing accounts of victims detailed in its’ pages are the most shameful and disturbing thing I have ever read in my time on this Council. The report’s findings deeply shocked and angered the people of Oldham.
What still shocks and angers people 18 months later is the failure of those in positions of authority and trust to be held to account.
Those who’s responsibility was to safeguard and protect the vulnerable. Those who could have stepped in to prevent harm and those whose job it was to stop and prosecute the criminals.
These are not just shortcomings or lessons to be learned. These are unforgiveable failings. And unforgiveable failings deserve consequences.
So, 18 months on I want to ask the Leader if she thinks there have been any consequences for those who failed children in Oldham?
18 months on from the report… how many officers from Greater Manchester Police have faced disciplinary action and how many officers are still in post?
18 months on from the report… how many from social services, licensing and elsewhere in Oldham Council from that time have faced disciplinary action and how many are still in post?
Councillors, members of the public, and those directly impacted by this deserve a detailed answer to these questions.
Anything less is not acceptable.
Oldham Coliseum
Thank you, Mr Mayor.
Oldham Coliseum Theatre has been failed time and time and again.
In 2013, proposals for a new building fell through. In 2019, the same happened again. Then in 2022, a third set of plans reduced the options to a much smaller 260 seat theatre. Down from the Fairbottom Street capacity of 550. One which would not open until at least 2026, and that is now in doubt.
There have been 10 wasted years and the window to do something to protect the Fairbottom Street Venue and its 135-year history was slammed shut at the start of this year when the Arts Council pulled the rug out from under the Coliseum.
A decade of missed opportunities from the Government and the Labour Council have brought us to this situation.
Earlier this year, the then Leader of the Council Amanda Chadderton said that the Fairbottom Building was “at the end of its life.”
But a report commissioned in September by the Board of Trustees clearly concludes that this is not the case.
According to inspectors, the Fairbottom sight is “not beyond repair and could be used again.”
Does the Leader not think it would be best to invest in making Fairbottom Street fit for purpose rather than run the much greater risk of losing Coliseum performances for good?
And given there is now professional evidence which makes it clear that Fairbottom Street is not beyond repair.
It’s clear that this Administration either took bad advice on the state of the building or was economical with the facts when it came to the cost and feasibility of the repairs.
Howard Sykes MBE, and leader of Oldham Councils’ Liberal Democrat Opposition said, “For all the talk of levelling up, the Council and the Government have had a decade to really make a difference for our town.”
In 2013, a ten-year refurbishment of the Oldham Coliseum building triggered a raft of plans to rejuvenate arts and culture in Oldham.
Councillor Sykes said, “Instead, plans came and went. The clock was run down, until the Arts Council pulled the rug from under the feet of an organisation that was only just still standing. Now the Coliseum has simply run out of time and resources. A decade of missed opportunities from the Government and the Labour Council have brought us to this situation.”
In 2013, proposals for a new building collapsed. In 2019, the same happened again. Then in 2022, a third set of plans reduced the options to a much smaller 260 seat theatre (the current capacity is 550 and would lead to major changes regardless), one which would not open until at least 2026, and that is now in doubt. There have been 10 wasted years and the window to do something has now been slammed shut
Councillor Sykes said, “If the Oldham Labour administration had put more time and effort on this jewel in Oldham’s crown instead of wasting it on failures like Prince’s Gate and Hotel Futures, we would now have a brand new theatre and a safe and thriving Coliseum.”
While the plans for a smaller theatre are approaching the planning stage, they are heavily watered down from the original proposals in size and scale.
Councillor Sykes said, “It’s heart-breaking to see the old building close. When I saw the panto this year, I did not think that it was the last time I would get to see one in the old building. I remember taking my children to see their first panto there and can recall being taken as a child myself!”
“What a travesty it is that future generations stand to miss out on this jewel in Oldham’s crown. I have signed the “Save Oldham Coliseum” petition and I encourage people in our Borough and beyond to do the same, more than 7.500 people already have. We need to make our voice heard.”
Oldham’s Liberal Democrat Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE has slammed Arts Council England bosses for “shameful neglect of Northern heritage” after their decision to cut funding for the Oldham Coliseum.
Councillor Sykes said, “The decision to withdraw all funding from the Coliseum is particularly hard to take given that venues in London and the South are still attracting tens of millions of pounds, despite having their funding reduced.”
“No reductions here in Oldham though. The Arts Council has completely pulled the plug instead. The Coliseum is a treasured institution with a stellar regional and national identity. This is shameful neglect of northern arts heritage.”
On Monday, the Fairbottom Street venue announced it would cancel all programming after March 26th after its bid for continued Arts Council funding was rejected, bringing an end to 138 years of theatre history.
However, funding has continued in other areas of the country, notably in London.
In deciding which venues receive funding, Arts Council England lists supporting the governments levelling up agenda’ and the Red Cross Covid Recovery Vulnerability Index as two of its criteria for establishing need.
Councillor Sykes said, “Oldham has received a round of so called ‘levelling up’ funding and our borough scores a 9 out of 10 on the Covid recovery index. So how on Earth can Arts Council England justify their complete withdrawal of support for the Coliseum?”
Oldham’s Liberal Democrat Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE has called on Oldham’s senior leadership to step up efforts to support the Oldham Coliseum Theatre.
In November, the long-established Fairbottom Street theatre announced that it had not been successful in its bid to secure Arts Council funding; and that jobs and the future of the theatre were at stake.
Councillor Sykes has written an open letter to The Leader of Oldham Council – Amanda Chadderton, and Oldham Council Chief Executive Harry Catherall – calling on the Council to offer more support.
Councillor Sykes said, “The Oldham Coliseum is one of Oldham’s most treasured institutions. It has a first-rate reputation across Oldham Borough and far beyond. I’ve called on Oldham Council to show leadership in lobbying the Arts Council and the government on the Coliseum’s behalf as well working with the Theatre to explore new avenues for funding. We must do everything to make sure the Coliseum secures its future.”
The Oldham Coliseum, which boasts over 135 years of history, is one of only a handful of producing theatres in the Northwest and its annual pantomime – which is currently showing – enjoys national acclaim. The theatre is reliant on ‘Investment Programme’ funding from Arts Council England, which has not been continued as part of the Arts Council’s latest funding round.
Councillor Sykes said, “It is important that the Arts Council hear the dismay that their decision has caused across Oldham from every corner of the community; and this should include our civic leadership. But we must also think creatively and explore all options to make sure the Theatre can continue its programme well into the future. This could include crowdfunding, which is something Oldham Council could offer practical communications support with.”
Letter is below
Harry Catherall Chief Executive, Oldham Council
Councillor Amanda Chadderton Leader of Oldham Council
Dear Mr Catherall and Councillor Chadderton,
I am writing in relation to the concerning developments affecting the Oldham Coliseum Theatre. You will be aware of the Arts Council’s regrettable decision not to include the Coliseum in its Investment Programme, placing jobs and the future of one of Oldham’s most treasured institutions at risk. I am sure you will agree that Oldham Council must do everything possible to support the theatre at this time.
I am therefore writing to urge the senior leadership of our Borough to do three things.
Lobby the Arts Council
Oldham Council must add its voice to the growing number of residents, actors, writers, and patrons who have joined the Oldham Coliseum in petitioning the Arts Council. You will be aware that the cast of the “Robin Hood” Pantomime met on Wednesday 16th November; and called on the Arts Council to save Oldham Coliseum. Council leaders must write to the Arts Council in asking that the Coliseum’s position be reconsidered.
It is important that the Arts Council hear the dismay that their decision has caused across Oldham from every corner of the community; and this should include our civic leadership. The strength of feeling this decision has generated for the Oldham Coliseum should be remembered when the Arts Council comes to make future funding decisions.
Making the case to the Government
Efforts must also be made to raise the profile of this issue with central government. You may be aware of the protest that did take place outside the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) in London. Oldham Council’s senior leadership must make representations to DCMS by writing to Secretary of State, Michelle Donelan.
With the Qatar World Cup underway, Oldham’s representatives must shout that much louder to be sure that the Coliseum’s plight is heard and acted on.
Exploring funding solutions
The Council must also work in close partnership with the Coliseum to aid in the development of alternative funding avenues for the Theatre. This should include a strategic discussion about crowdfunding and any communications support that Oldham Council could offer.
The Oldham Coliseum boasts a wealth of high-profile former performers, directors, and writers. The Theatre enjoys a stellar reputation across the North of England and beyond. It’s pantomime – which is currently in full swing – is highly regarded around the country. If the theatre is supported by the Council’s communications team and others, it is conceivable that a crowdfunding campaign to “Save Oldham Coliseum” could gain a lot of traction.
I hope that you will consider the points above and act with urgency to support one of Oldham’s greatest cultural assets.
As always happy to discuss how we can work together to progress this matter.
Labour cling to power in Oldham by a single vote with the support of the two so-called Shaw and Crompton Independent councillors.
In a tense council meeting, Oldham Liberal Democrats put forward proposals for an alliance of opposition councillors including Liberal Democrats, Conservatives, Oldham Group and Independents, which could have taken control of Oldham if the vote to remove Labour had been won.
However, the Labour Leader of the Council clung on to power supported by the two Shaw and Crompton so-called Independents, said Councillor Howard Sykes, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Oldham.
He added: “It is disappointing that despite the fact that the Labour Party have lost overall control of the council, so-called Independent councillors joined forces with them to keep Labour in power.”
Our plan brought together the opposition groups who supported agreed policies including calling for a public inquiry into historic child sex exploitation, saving Oldham Coliseum Theatre, protecting Oldham’s greenbelt, and cleaning up Oldham’s parks and public spaces.
“All of that is now at risk because Labour has clung on to power with the backing of the two so-called Independents from Shaw and Crompton.
Here is how the vote to remove the Labour leadership played out:
FOR: 28
AGAINST: 29
ABSTAIN: 3
Labour’s 27 councillors were supported by councillors Mark Hince and Lisa Navesey, which was enough on the day to keep Labour in power.
Councillor Sykes said, “An alternative to Labour was possible. The Liberal Democrats did absolutely everything within our power to make that alternative a reality. But Labour’s offer of grace and favour positions within the Council was clearly too much for some so-called Independent councillors to resist.”
“As Opposition councillors, the Liberal Democrats will continue to hold the Labour Party to account, as well as the so-called Independent councillors who now support them. We look forward to championing the issues that our residents care about and working hard for change.”
The people of Oldham are crying out for change and a fresh start for the Borough, says Councillor Howard Sykes MBE, Liberal Democrat Leader at Oldham Borough Council.
He spoke after the Leader of Oldham’s Labour Group issued a letter staking her claim to continue as Leader of Oldham Council despite her party losing overall control of the Council at the recent local elections.
The letter called for non-Labour politicians to support her in her bid to stay on as Leader whilst also attacking other political parties and none for seeking to work together.
Councillor Sykes said: “It is hugely disappointing that Labour clearly do not accept what the people of Oldham are saying. They want change, and they want long-standing issues to be dealt with.”
The Liberal Democrat Leader added “I have been asked by other groups and individuals to try and build an alternative – a new partnership approach heralding a fresh start for Oldham. We can do this if there is a willingness to seize the opportunity.”
“The Labour Party clearly think they are entitled to run Oldham no matter what they electorate say or want.”
“The question for councillors who want change is, who do you trust to tackle the real priorities for the people of Oldham? We now have an opportunity to replace Labour in Oldham following their loss of control. Our residents and businesses deserve something better.”
A veteran of more than 35 years, councillor Sykes added, “The Liberal Democrats have been clear about the priorities from the outset, and we have repeated them often since the election.
“The priorities are the priorities the people of Oldham have told us they want and include:Call for a full public inquiry into historic child sexual abuse; Vote again on Oldham’s participation in ‘Places for Everyone’– Labour’s Greater Manchester-wide housing scheme; Save Oldham Coliseum Theatre at the Fairbottom site; A new partnership for Oldham Council will also work hard to fix the Council by getting the basics right and get tough on enviro-crimes like littering, dog fouling and fly-tipping.”
“Our policy commitments to the people of Oldham are clear and strong where Labour have been flimsy and weak. There isn’t even any mention from them about saving our greenbelt land.”
“It is time for a change and time for politicians who oppose the defeated Labour administration and to work together in a common cause.”
“It is time for others to step up, or else we will be stuck with the same old problems under Labour. All councillors who want that brighter future for Oldham Borough need to turn up to the Annual Council Meeting on Wednesday (22 May), and vote Labour out and then vote for the alternative. Doing anything else like sitting on their hands or even missing the meeting ensures Labour continue to run Oldham Borough and they will clearly be to blame if that is the outcome.”
TALKS PROGRESS FOR A PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL TO RUN OLDHAM say Oldham Liberal Democrats
Talks on a way forward that could mean Labour no longer running Oldham are progressing between groups of opposition councillors.
If a partnership for Oldham agreement can be reached, it will be the first time in 13 years that Labour have not been in charge of the Borough.
Positive discussions have so far been held between the Liberal Democrats, Conservatives and The Oldham Group. Discussions will continue this week to find a potential way forward for Oldham Council and the Borough ahead of the Council’s annual meeting on the 22 May.
Conversations are also being held with several of the Independent groups and some Independent councillors. If this is to work and we all want a change of direction it will require us all to commit to the hard work involved in turning Oldham round after years of disappointment and failure under Labour, said councillor Howard Sykes MBE, Liberal Democrat Leader on the Council.
Councillor Sykes added: “Labour have lost control of Oldham and the Liberal Democrats have already ruled out any formal coalition with them. The question is has everybody else and can we find a new way forward for those who want to work together for Oldham?”
“It is possible to replace this tired Labour administration with something better, but for that to work, politicians in the smaller groups (and none) will need to talk and work together. We have been given a moment in time by the people of Oldham to see if we can collectively rise to this new challenge.”
“The Liberal Democrats are clear about what needs to happen, have clearly stated it and are up for the challenge. There is already broad agreement that any new administration will:
1. Call for a full public inquiry into historic child sexual abuse.
2. Vote again on Oldham’s participation in ‘Places for Everyone’ – Labour’s Greater Manchester-wide housing scheme.”
3. Save Oldham Coliseum Theatre at the Fairbottom site.
4. A new partnership for Oldham Council will also work hard to fix the Council by getting the basics right and adopt a much tougher stance on enviro crimes like littering, dog fouling and fly-tipping that blight our Borough and Communities.”
“These are our absolute priorities. We have a vision for Oldham’s future, and we are ready to get to work. The challenge now is for those who want to work together for a brighter future for Oldham, our residents, and businesses to seize the opportunity and make it a reality.”
