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Last minute addition to borough’s ‘Big Bid’

Carl Marsden
21/12/2005

A COMMUNITY Cohesion Centre has become the final addition to the shortlist of ideas for Oldham's 'Living Landmark'.

The proposal, put forward by Voluntary Action Oldham, now joins six others on the final list to be submitted as part of the borough's bid for up to £25 million of Lottery funding.

The scheme would see the creation of a centre and support services for Oldham's community, diversity and faith groups.

It would also become home to a coalition of specialist organisations, providing advice on IT, training rooms and a creche.

A management trust would run the centre, with the organisations using the building having members on the board.

Mohammed Azam, chairman of Voluntary Action Oldham, said: "Oldham has been crying out for a centre like this. Most other areas in Greater Manchester have somewhere where groups can come together.

"The issue here is one of community engagement - of having a place where under-represented groups can develop projects, such as this year's Festival of Light."

The centre would increase the capacity of the borough's voluntary and community sector and the proposal helps reflect public support for local charities to benefit from the bid.

Cllr Dave Hibbert, cabinet member for regeneration, said: "The feedback from the public regarding this bid has been fantastic. One theme that has come through is that the many voluntary and community groups in the borough should see a benefit - and this proposal does that.

"We are delighted that this suggestion has reached us in time to make it into the bid."

The final bid includes seven projects: Panoramic Oldham; Light, Links and Life; Beyond Green; Oldham Amphitheatre; Oldham Rocks!; Arboretum; Sport Link; and Community Cohesion Centre.

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