Latest news with #TilburyDouglas
ITV News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- ITV News
Oldham Coliseum reopening delayed until next year after refurbishments hit 'bumps in the road'
The Oldham Coliseum Theatre will not be reopening in time for the 2025 pantomime season, the council has confirmed. The historic venue is currently undergoing a £10 million refurbishment, with the hopes of welcoming theatregoers back for its festive programme. However, unforeseen works have pushed the reopening date back, with the theatre on Fairbottom Street now expected to reopen in 2026. The 135-year-old theatre closed its doors in March 2023 following the loss of its Arts Council England funding, amid concerns about its management. The decision sparked a major public campaign to save the Coliseum, which ultimately led the council to scrap plans for a brand-new venue and instead commit to restoring the original building. Refurbishment works, led by contractors Tilbury Douglas, began earlier this year. But the discovery of significant asbestos within the walls and roof has led to delays, prompting the council to push back the reopening to ensure the building is safe and fully prepared. Council leader Arooj Shah said: 'It's disappointing not to be reopening the Fairbottom Street building for Panto 2025, especially as it's such a cherished part of Oldham's festive calendar. But with a project of this scale, unexpected issues can arise. "Rather than rush the process, we're taking the time to make sure everything is done properly. We owe it to the artists, staff and—most importantly—our audiences. "This is about creating a sustainable future for theatre in Oldham that will serve generations to come. I can't wait to open the doors in 2026.' Martina Murphy, CEO of the Oldham Coliseum Theatre production company, said she was 'gutted' by the delay but remained optimistic, promising the theatre would be 'back with a bang' once reopened. Actress Julie Hesmondhalgh, a leading member of the Friends of Oldham Coliseum, also welcomed the decision to wait: 'The Friends are relieved that this year's panto has been put on hold. "Better to return with a beautiful, bold, and glittering bang than attempt something half-baked in a venue that isn't ready.' A council spokesperson confirmed that while the timeline has shifted, the refurbishment project remains within budget, and they are 'confident' the theatre will be fully operational by the 2026 panto season. In the meantime, the Coliseum's production team will continue delivering performances at other venues across the borough.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Designs for new £10m village school unveiled
Designs have been revealed for a £10m village school development in Herefordshire that will see it double in size. The new Peterchurch Primary School will constructed near to the existing site in the Golden Valley. The planning application, submitted by developers Tilbury Douglas, said the current site's buildings were "piecemeal" and had "significant issues", including leaks, asbestos, poor daylight and insulation. The new single-storey building will include a taller main hall and larger teaching areas and allow pupil numbers to rise from 105 to 210. County councillors agreed to spend more than £10m on the project in October 2022 and appointed Exeter-based Tilbury-Douglas last year to develop the plans. The firm said it planned to site the new school slightly away from the current one to reduce the need for temporary classrooms. Plans include a new multi-use games area to the rear of the new buildings and a grass football pitch on existing playing fields. The largely square new building will have classrooms around the perimeter to benefit from natural light, while the library and other areas will be naturally lit from above. The school's swimming pool will be kept as well as its existing vehicle entrance and pedestrian access. Tilbury-Douglas said the new buildings would replace a school "formed of lots of small rooms that are not fit for their purpose". It is expected to have 30 pupils per school year in seven classrooms and a 26-place nursery. This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Extra £2m put towards flood defences by council Further delay to new railway station plan Century-old portraits of rural life go on display Houses approved for village despite water concerns Herefordshire Council Peterchurch Primary School
BBC News
10-03-2025
- General
- BBC News
Designs for new Peterchurch Primary School unveiled
Designs have been revealed for a £10m village school development in Herefordshire that will see it double in new Peterchurch Primary School will constructed near to the existing site in the Golden planning application, submitted by developers Tilbury Douglas, said the current site's buildings were "piecemeal" and had "significant issues", including leaks, asbestos, poor daylight and new single-storey building will include a taller main hall and larger teaching areas and allow pupil numbers to rise from 105 to 210. County councillors agreed to spend more than £10m on the project in October 2022 and appointed Exeter-based Tilbury-Douglas last year to develop the plans. The firm said it planned to site the new school slightly away from the current one to reduce the need for temporary include a new multi-use games area to the rear of the new buildings and a grass football pitch on existing playing fields. The largely square new building will have classrooms around the perimeter to benefit from natural light, while the library and other areas will be naturally lit from above. The school's swimming pool will be kept as well as its existing vehicle entrance and pedestrian access. Tilbury-Douglas said the new buildings would replace a school "formed of lots of small rooms that are not fit for their purpose".It is expected to have 30 pupils per school year in seven classrooms and a 26-place nursery. This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
