Find out this week's news from Oldham Council

View this email in your browser ([link removed])
[link removed]
New theatre takes a step forward

We recently released updated visuals for the new theatre, ahead of next weeks cabinet meeting – showcasing how the arts venue is a key part of our new-look town centre.

The new theatre will provide a more modern, accessible venue for performers and audiences from Oldham and beyond.

Proposals include a new 300 to 350-seat auditorium, as well as a smaller 120-seat studio, together with enhanced back-stage facilities, additional education, event and rehearsal spaces, and better front-of house facilities including bar and café areas.

The new £24m theatre will revitalize Oldham’s cultural offer, create additional jobs and attract visitors into the town centre.

At a meeting on Monday, 27 February, Oldham Council's Cabinet committee is set to recommit to building the new theatre and also formally accept funding of £1.845m from Arts Council England, for cultural activities in the borough while the new theatre is built.

It's on target to be open by 2026 – giving certainty to the future of performing arts in the town, and building on our theatrical legacy.

Read the full story ([link removed] )

One-minute silence for Ukraine

This morning, staff from Oldham Council took part in a national one minute silence to mark a year since Russia’s barbaric invasion of Ukraine.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Amanda Chadderton and our Mayor, Cllr Elaine Garry led the silence outside the Civic Centre on Rochdale Road steps at around 10:55am – with the silence taking place at 11am.

We’d like to thank everyone who joined us to pay tribute to the bravery of Ukrainians. It really does show our solidarity with them as they continue their courageous fight.

[link removed]
Oldham Way: Essential bridge works

Oldham Way is one of the busiest stretches of road in the borough and is used every day by thousands of vehicles.

So it is fit for purpose and can be used for years to come, we need to carry out essential maintenance work on the bridges that support it at Waterloo Street and Wellington Street.

Wellington Street is closed underneath Oldham Way, to all traffic, until work is completed in late autumn.

In addition, from this Monday, 27 February, Waterloo Street bridge will be closed.

All the dates are subject to change. Pedestrian access will be maintained with any changes signposted in advance.

We know this work will cause inconvenience and we apologise for that in advance. Please bear with us – this work will mean the bridges are in a good state of repair.

Head to our website to find out more about the Oldham Way works ([link removed] )
[link removed]
Do you need free voter ID to vote on May 4?

Voters need photo ID to be able to vote in the May elections.

• International Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country
• Driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (this includes a provisional driving licence)
• A Blue Badge
• Older Person’s Bus Pass
• Disabled Person’s Bus Pass
• Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS)
• Voter Authority Certificate (free voter ID)

If you don’t have one of the above, or if you hold a passport or driving licence to a country not listed, then you should apply for free voter ID. ([link removed])

All you need to get this is your name, address, date of birth, National Insurance Number and a passport-style photo which can be taken with your phone.

If you have any questions about your ID or how to apply for free voter ID, contact our Elections Team on 0161 770 4718 or email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

[link removed]
Help celebrate World Book Day

We’re celebrating World Book Day on Thursday, March 2 – why don’t you join us?

Oldham Libraries are encouraging everyone to take a photo of what book they are reading – and enjoying – at the minute and then tweet it.

If you are dressing up as your favourite character even better!

Make sure to tag in @OldhamLibraries ([link removed]) and use the hashtags #Dropitandread ([link removed]) #WorldBookDay ([link removed])

Find out more about World Book Day ([link removed])

[link removed]

New Bulky Bobs contract will help those in need

More families and residents who are struggling with the ongoing Cost of Living crisis could benefit from Oldham Council’s renewed household bulky waste collection contract.

Last month the local authority agreed a new three-year partnership with the FRC Group, meaning Bulky Bobs will continue to operate across the borough.

Bulky Bobs have run the council’s service since 2005.

As well as saving the council money, the new agreement will see Bulky Bobs carry out the local welfare provision (LWP) contract for the first time.

This means pre-loved items, such as unwanted furniture, white goods and much more will be donated to people who otherwise would be struggling to afford them.

The cost of using Bulky Bobs is currently £20 for three items and £7 for each item collected thereafter. The additional charge for fridges, freezers or fridge-freezers is £10.

Bagged up fabric or small electrical items, like kettles or toasters, are picked up for free as part of any paid collection.

See more about what Bulky Bobs can offer ([link removed] )

[link removed]

See where help with food is available in each district

If you need to know where support with food can be found in Oldham, then our new web page has all the details for you.

We’ve set out where you can go in each area, including what’s open at what time, each day of the week.

To see the interactive map of what is available.ead over to the We Can Help section of our website ([link removed])

Connect with us on Social Media
Oldham Council is on Twitter ([link removed]) , Facebook ([link removed]) , Instagram, ([link removed]) TikTok ([link removed]) and LinkedIn ([link removed]) . Join our followers and get the latest news, events, alerts from across the borough, business, regeneration, employment opportunities and much more.

============================================================
Image credit: [1]Shia vector created by starline - www.freepik.com

Follow us on:
** Facebook ([link removed])
** Facebook ([link removed])
** Twitter ([link removed])
** Twitter ([link removed])
** LinkedIn ([link removed])
** LinkedIn ([link removed])
** Instagram ([link removed])
** Instagram ([link removed])

For more information and advice about council services, visit
** www.oldham.gov.uk ([link removed])

This email was sent to [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
why did I get this? ([link removed]) unsubscribe from this list ([link removed]) update subscription preferences ([link removed])
Oldham Council . Civic Centre . West Street . Oldham, OL1 1UT . United Kingdom

References

1. [link removed]