Community take over iconic arts centre

A dedicated team of volunteers have taken over Delph’s famous Millgate Arts Centre from Oldham Council.

The move comes after months of negotiations with the council and Ian Shepherd, chairman of the centre’s management committee and licensee. 
  
He said: “We have secured the long-term future use of the building for the community. This has offered a deal of funding opportunities the centre previously did not have, and we’ve been able to secure a lot of additional funding.” 
 
Andrew Mann, chairman of the board, said: "Millgate Arts Centre are delighted to announce the next two phases of ‘Building the Future’.  We have already completed phase 1 and have had some amazing support from generous donors to continue to improve our community theatre. 
 
“We rebuilt the iconic front of the building that was falling down. We replaced rotten joints and floorboards on the stage and improved the insulation, heating and electrical wiring behind the curtain, and added new LED lighting to improve the shows. 
 
“This was possible through generous support from Saddleworth Hydo, Theatre Trust / Linsbury Trust, Roger Tanner Foundation, The Saddleworth Festival Fund and individual donations from Friends and others. 
 
“This summer, we will complete some structural repair to the internal wall of the bar to provide damp proofing and replace the stairs as preparation for exciting work in 2027. 
 
“We’re delighted to announce Millgate Arts Centre has been funded by Oldham Council, working with Action Together, who has set up the Community Regeneration Partnership Capital Grants Programme as part of Oldham’s Levelling Up agreement with the government. 
 
“This funding will support the sector’s resilience to enable VCFSE organisations and Parish Councils that are locally rooted and active in Oldham to contribute to the delivery of the Oldham Plan – Our Future Oldham, a Shared Vision for 2030 and Oldham’s District Priorities. 
 
“The funding for this grant is provided by Oldham Council, working in collaboration with Action Together. Thank you.” 
 
He added: "We also will install new black stage drapes that will give us a better and more flexible stage facility. 
 
“In summer 2027 we will develop the bar to create a flexible space that will act as a bar and studio theatre: Flexible studio theatre space for 60 audience members, new bar, new kitchen, installation of a lift to improve access for audience members and rebuild the front four rows of the main auditorium to move entrances to the side. 
 
“This third phase has been possible through a generous grant from the Antony J Adler Trust. 
 
“Antony John Adler (Tony) wore many hats throughout his life. Giving something back was a clear theme within everything he did. But it was within the local theatre that he devoted so much time, service and of himself. Tony died in 2015 aged 81 after a brief illness. He had ensured that his estate would be his legacy and would continue to help others. 
 
“Even now, several years after his death, he has through the work of his dedicated trustees ensured a legacy for his beloved world of theatre – and much more. It is fitting his generosity will allow future generations to appreciate and share his passion for it. And Millgate Arts Centre are proud their new studio theatre-bar will bear his name. 
 
“But we still need to raise more funds as part of our ‘Building the Future’ appeal to celebrate the centenary of Saddleworth Players (1927-2027 ) and you can help by Becoming a Friend of Millgate Arts Centre (see your name on the board)·  Become a Patron of Millgate Art Centre. Put your name on a seat (we have 8 seats un-named), a One Off Donation-  Come and see the shows.
 
“Thank you to  all our generous donors, friends and grant bodies that have made this possible and to the audiences that come and see our shows.”