A cultural hotspot in Oldham could face “major failure” and closure unless “urgent” repairs are carried out. A council report said part of Oldham Gallery’s infrastructure was found to be at “end of life” stage during a building survey.
Council boss Arooj Shah said:
“The building serves as an important cultural and educational asset for Oldham, so it continues to be used by families from across Oldham and beyond, helping to increase footfall and spending in the town centre. It is critical that we implement this initiative so that we can accelerate it.”
Councilors noted how the gallery supported local people by bringing outsiders into town to visit local businesses. It is also ‘culturally significant’ and recently became the first of his five venues in Greater Manchester to exhibit LS Lowry’s ‘iconic’ painting ‘Going to the Match’.
However, the report said some mechanical parts in the 20-year-old building had reached their “15-year useful life”, which could lead to “the possible closure of Gallery Oldham”. There is.
The council has been informally informed that a bid for funding from the Arts Council to refurbish the creative hub has been successful. Government-run cultural organizations support local galleries through the Museum Property Development Fund (MEND).
The exact size of the grant is yet to be confirmed, and there will be quotas for “limited aspects” of “urgently needed” maintenance.
The remaining maintenance is likely to be funded from the Corporate Landlord Capital Budget – the council’s funding pot for buildings it owns or manages.
The Cabinet resolved to accept the subsidy at a meeting on Monday (February 26).