Oldham Council sets budget for year ahead

Councillors have agreed Oldham Council's budget, with the borough placed on financial footing and on the road to recovery.

Oldham will become a better place to live, work, invest and enjoy with big projects taking shape including £10m for the much-loved Oldham Coliseum, the iconic Old Library as the new home for democracy for Oldham and Oldham Theatre Workshop, a new space for events, gigs and celebrations and a new indoor market.

Leader of Oldham Council, Councillor Arooj Shah, said: “The cruel era of austerity is finally over. I have to level with Oldhamers – we aren’t out of the woods yet, but we are now on a firm financial footing that shows that there really is light at the end of the tunnel.

“I make you this promise as your council leader: As always, every penny this council spends will help make the lives of Oldham residents better.”

Read the full story here.

£20m boost to get Oldham growing

In this exciting time for Oldham, a 'gamechanging' £20m cash growth injection will see culture, sport, education, housing and businesses benefit across the borough.

The cash for all these projects has come from the government’s community regeneration fund after Oldham Council successfully made the case to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for investment in our borough.

Leader of Oldham Council, Councillor Arooj Shah, said: “This £20m of investment into Oldham really is a gamechanger.

“It will supercharge the ambitious regeneration plans that we have for the borough in a year that Oldhamers will finally see some of these bold ideas come to life."

Read the full story about the cash boost and how it will be allocated by clicking here.

A new chapter for the Old Library

The latest exhibition at Gallery Oldham looks forward to the next chapter in the long history of a much-loved building.

The exhibition is titled New life in an Old Building and is a celebration of the skilful restoration of this Victorian gem – captured by photographer Ingrid Turner.

As preparations continue to reopen the Old Library later in 2025, this exhibition acts as a taster of what is to come.

The displays look back and explores the history of this iconic venue which has served the community since 1883.

To find out more click on our website here.

Emma Peake and her daughter Matilda smiling and pictured right on the Baby Bonding course a year ago

Mum says Baby Bonding course changed her life for the better

A mum has told of the invaluable support she has received through completing a Baby Bonding course through Oldham Council Family Hubs.

Emma Peake took part in the six-week course with her newborn daughter Matilda a year ago, and the benefits have been long-standing.

Not only did Emma form close bonds on her course, which was held in her hometown Failsworth, the support network has continued after the sessions ended.

Read the full heart-warming story on our website here.

Helping you to get on your bike

Transport for Greater Manchester is hosting women-only cycling and bike maintenance sessions in Oldham and Rochdale this month.

A free Complete Beginner Cycling Course is being held at Kingsway Park School, Rochdale at 10-11am on Sunday 23 March.

To book click here.

A Basic Bike Maintenance Session is being held at Positive Cycles on Albion Street in Oldham town centre at 4-6pm on Thursday 27 March.

To book click here.