We were delighted to welcome designer Wayne Hemingway to Oldham on 4 November for a conversation with Martina Murphy, Chief Executive of the Oldham Coliseum Theatre, exploring the idea of a ‘cultural campus’ for the town.

As the Coliseum works towards its re-opening, the team has been considering how to build on this momentum, creating opportunities that contribute to economic growth, skills development, community pride, net zero ambitions, and wellbeing across Oldham. The event with the acclaimed designer explored the achievability of these projects.

Best known as co-founder of the iconic fashion brand Red or Dead, Wayne Hemingway has been involved in numerous regeneration and placemaking projects across the UK, including in London, York, Crewe, Weymouth, and Eastleigh. His work often focuses on reimagining heritage destinations, from the acclaimed revival of Dreamland amusement park in Margate to the restoration of Shrewsbury’s Flaxmill Maltings in Shropshire.

Discussions in Oldham focused on how the town could “put the back of the theatre at the front” by using empty shopfronts to showcase and house the creative processes behind live production. Ideas included developing spaces for set design and scenery building, costume and wardrobe departments, sound engineering, live audio production, and media and projection design.

By strengthening partnerships with organisations such as the Oldham Coliseum Workshop and SharpFutures - the Manchester-based social enterprise that supports diverse talent into creative digital careers - the project would aim to create a direct pathway from local skills development to a vibrant new production ecosystem.

“Oldham sits between moorland and mill, nature and industry - its strength is in that contrast. Let’s design a place that reflects it - where craft meets commerce, and creativity lights the way forward.” Martina Murphy, Chief Executive, Oldham Coliseum Theatre

The event, held at George Street Chapel in Oldham, was attended by the Mayor of Oldham, council representatives, and members of the local creative community.

[Recording of the event available soon.]