Construction workers are still finding ‘pockets of asbestos’ at Oldham Coliseum as renovation work continues.
The beloved Fairbottom Street venue is undergoing a major £10m refurbishment.
The famous Panto destination shut down in 2023 when the Arts Council withdrew its funding after discovering ‘major risks’ in its financial management and faults in the structure of the building.
A £25m plan to build a new cultural centre, to replace the almost 140-year-old playhouse, was rejected by locals and grassroots campaigners, who celebrated the Coliseum as a historic symbol of working class theatre.
Following a prolonged campaign, spearheaded by Mr Bates vs The Post Office and Coronation Street actor Julie Hesmondhalgh, the town hall agreed to foot the bill for the Coliseum’s rescue.
The works have been ‘extensive and complex’, with its original reopening date for ‘Panto Season 2025’ postponed indefinitely last year.
A recent video update issued by Olivier Award-winning Hesmondhalgh and contract managers at Tilbury Douglas, who are carrying out the works, shows the inside of the Coliseum ‘stripped back to a shell’.
Billy McNicholas from Tilbury Douglas said: “We’re still uncovering pockets of asbestos as you would expect in a building of this age and condition. They’re being dealt with in the right way health and safety wise.
“There’s always asbestos in buildings older than the year 2000. It was considered a miracle material back in the day, they used it for absolutely everything, so it’s not a surprise that as we uncover more areas, we’re finding more of it.”
The construction firm is using special asbestos enclosures with air vents to safely dispose of the material – which is known to cause fatal lung diseases.
A council spokesperson added: “Work is continuing to make good progress on the refurbishment of Oldham Coliseum Theatre, with contractors Tilbury Douglas progressing a complex programme of works inside the building.
“Our focus remains on making sure the theatre reopens as a high-quality venue that will serve Oldham for generations to come. Rather than rushing the process, we are taking the time needed to get the building right so that when audiences return to the Coliseum, they can enjoy the very best experience.
“In the meantime, the Coliseum continues to produce fantastic work across the borough, presenting shows in venues including Whittles and George Street Chapel.”
The council was asked for an estimated timeline for the completion of the works at Fairbottom Street but did not provide any further information.
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