Description of the works
The theatre was constructed in 1885 as a timber building. The building was renovated in 1964–66 to replace the remaining timber sections with masonry, remove the projection box, add a new proscenium and a safety curtain, and further modernise the exterior. In 1974, the stage house was rebuilt with a new fly tower and an orchestra pit was added. Oldham Council acquired the Coliseum in 1977 and reopened it as a touring house. In 2012, it was refurbished, and an extension was added housing an education studio and a café-bar.
Example of the coliseum in its opening years
Reasoning for the works:
Oldham council deemed fit to carry out refurbishment work of the building to retain its heritage, rather than the alternative to demolish the building. Refurbishment asbestos reports stated that asbestos in the building will have to be safely removed prior to any refurbishment works being carried out.
Sequence of works:
We approached the works in a systematic manner, starting from the basement moving our way up the building, removing all asbestos, where applicable, identified withing the building. Any asbestos items that could not be removed, due to structural elements preventing such works, was encapsulated to prevent any release of asbestos for the refurbishment works to follow. These items ranged from the low fibrous content of floor tiles all the way to the high fibrous content of asbestos insulation.