The Oldham Mural & Cultural Heritage Trust

SAVE Britain’s Heritage has been campaigning for many years to secure the future of the former Holy Rosary Church and its culturally significant George Mayer-Marton mural. They have worked closely with the local community to prevent the building’s loss and to promote its value as a part of our cultural heritage. Their advocacy efforts wer

SAVE Britain’s Heritage has been campaigning for many years to secure the future of the former Holy Rosary Church and its culturally significant George Mayer-Marton mural. They have worked closely with the local community to prevent the building’s loss and to promote its value as a part of our cultural heritage. Their advocacy efforts were instrumental in achieving Grade II listing for the mural in 2022, which acknowledges its national importance and protects it from further deterioration. Through community engagement and expert collaboration, SAVE has laid the groundwork for a new vision for the site. In 2022–2023, the not-for-profit community organization Beat Bazaar Projects was engaged to lead a consultation within the cultural sector, exploring options for repurposing the derelict church. Funded by the Consulate General of Hungary in Manchester, the consultation revealed strong public support and highlighted the local need for saving both the building and its original George Mayer-Marton mural. Following this, Beat Bazaar secured additional funding from the Architectural Heritage Fund for a more detailed viability study.

With growing momentum, dedicated individuals have come together to formally establish the Oldham Mural & Cultural Heritage Trust to lead the project forward. This initiative enjoys strong support from the Fitton Hill community, who are eager to see the George Mayer-Marton mural brought back to life. Residents take pride in having an inter

With growing momentum, dedicated individuals have come together to formally establish the Oldham Mural & Cultural Heritage Trust to lead the project forward. This initiative enjoys strong support from the Fitton Hill community, who are eager to see the George Mayer-Marton mural brought back to life. Residents take pride in having an internationally significant artwork in their neighbourhood and believe its restoration will foster community engagement, benefit the local area, and create valuable opportunities for young people. Additionally, the Hungarian diaspora across Greater Manchester considers it vitally important to preserve this piece of their cultural heritage, strengthening their sense of pride and belonging.

Kim Rogers is a trustee of the new cultural heritage trust that is campaigning to secure funding, restore the church, protect the George Mayer-Marton mural, and create a community-led cultural centre that fosters community engagement, inspires creativity, and celebrates local heritage. If you would like to get involved and support us, ple

Kim Rogers is a trustee of the new cultural heritage trust that is campaigning to secure funding, restore the church, protect the George Mayer-Marton mural, and create a community-led cultural centre that fosters community engagement, inspires creativity, and celebrates local heritage. If you would like to get involved and support us, please get in touch. We are currently looking for additional trustees to join our board and help shape the future of this important community project. We’ll be sharing updates here as the journey continues, so come along and be part of the story.