The long‑running effort to save Oldham’s iconic Holy Rosary Church, and the internationally significant mural inside it, has reached a major milestone with the launch of the Oldham Mural & Cultural Heritage Trust. For Beat Bazaar, which has supported the project for several years, this marks a major step toward transforming the derelict building into a creative hub for young people in Fitton Hill.
The new trust is led by a passionate board of local leaders, including Beat Bazaar director Ottilia Ördög, Kim Rogers (Spark Oldham CIC), Krisztina Kátai‑Nagy (former Consul General of Hungary), and Stephen Haines (health and safety expert and former parishioner). Together, they aim to bring the former church back to life as a vibrant arts and cultural centre, where creativity, music, heritage, and community pride can flourish.
“My research for the feasibility study highlighted the need for young people in Fitton Hill to have a space where they can grow creatively, develop skills, and feel inspired,” said Ottilia. “Beat Bazaar has seen first-hand how powerful the arts can be for confidence, aspiration and belonging.”
At the heart of the building is a rare 1955 mural by Hungarian émigré artist George Mayer‑Marton, considered an outstanding example of post‑war British modernism. Once partly painted over and almost forgotten, it was granted Grade II‑listed status in 2022 following a campaign by SAVE Britain’s Heritage.
The initiative has been strongly supported by SAVE Britain’s Heritage and MP Jim McMahon, who both welcomed the launch of the trust.
With the trust now in place, the next phase will focus on restoration and fundraising to repair the building for the benefit of the local community. Beat Bazaar is proud to play a leading role in this exciting transformation, and the journey is only just beginning.
