Member Article

Architects announced for Oldham theatre and Heritage Centre project

Oldham Council has announced the architects chosen for the landmark project designing the new Coliseum Theatre and Heritage Centre.

The architectural practice Mecanoo, in partnership with Stephen Levrant Heritage Architecture, has been appointed to design the scheme, which is being jointly funded by the Local Authority, Arts Council England and Heritage Lottery Fund.

The scheme involves the refurbishment of the former Grade II-listed Oldham Library and Art Gallery building on Union Street and the construction of a new theatre on the adjoining Southgate Street car park site.

The complex will include two auditoria of 600 and 250 seats with state of the art facilities; a heritage centre; galleries; archives; public research rooms; foyers; bars and meeting spaces.

The finished project will significantly improve the cultural offer of Oldham town centre and support its wider regeneration, while complementing the existing Gallery Oldham, Library and Lifelong Learning Centre.

It will also be located at a prominent town centre gateway adjacent to the forthcoming Metrolink line, which opens next year.

Mecanoo was chosen following a competitive tender competition which attracted bids from around the world, including leading international architects.

Stephen Levrant will provide specialist heritage advice. Previously he has worked on landmark projects such as Manchester’s Victoria Train station.

Mecanoo, which has an office in Manchester, have been involved in a number of high-profile projects regionally and nationally. These include: the new HOME Art and Culture House at First Street, Manchester; The zoning plan and landscape for the eight-hectare NOMA site, Manchester; and the recently opened Library of Birmingham.

In additional to the outstanding quality of the architectural services that Mecanoo offer the firm also committed to prioritising the local supply chain throughout the project.

In support of the Council’s ‘Get Oldham Working’ campaign, which aims to create 2,015 work related opportunities by 2015, Mecanoo will also develop an employment and skills strategy to focus on young people within the Borough, improving linkages with local education providers and exploring the opportunity to create apprenticeships.

Councillor Jim McMahon, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “The appointment of Mecanoo is a huge step in realising our vision of delivering a new Coliseum Theatre and Heritage Centre in heart of the Town Centre.

“The Council and our partners were extremely impressed with the exceptionally high calibre of architectural practice that expressed an interest in the scheme

“Mecanoo has a proven track record in designing outstanding and eye-catching buildings and I’m sure they will produce designs that reflect our proud past but also looks forward to the future.

“When you put our plans for the Coliseum and the Heritage Centre alongside plans for the Old Town Hall to become a cinema with restaurants and cafes you can see Oldham Council is deadly serious about providing facilities that attract a new kind of visitor here – and inspire a greater sense of pride in our town centre.”

Kevin Shaw, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of the Coliseum, added: “We are very excited to be working with an architect with an enviable international reputation and with Oldham Council to deliver this landmark project.

The New Coliseum and Heritage Centre gives the opportunity to enhance and develop our programme of work made in Oldham for Oldham, ensuring that we can continue to produce the highest quality theatre in the town for many years to come.“

The remaining design team is still in the process of being assembled and will be completed by end 2013.

Construction is due to start in 2016 subject to the confirmation of funding from the Arts Council and English Heritage.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .