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 internationally significant George Mayer‑Marton mural, working closely with the local community to prevent the building’s loss and promote its cultural value.

Their efforts were instrumental in achieving Grade II listi

SAVE Britain’s Heritage has been campaigning for many years to secure the future of the former Holy Rosary Church and its internationally significant George Mayer‑Marton mural, working closely with the local community to prevent the building’s loss and promote its cultural value.

Their efforts were instrumental in achieving Grade II listing for the mural in 2022, recognising its national importance and protecting it from further deterioration. Through advocacy, expert support and collaboration, SAVE helped lay the groundwork for a new vision for the site.

In 2022–2023, not-for-profit community organisation Beat Bazaar Projects was brought onboard to lead a community and cultural sector consultation to explore the potential of repurposing the derelict church. Funded by the Consulate General of Hungary in Manchester, the consultation revealed strong public support and a local need for saving the building and its mural. Beat Bazaar then secured further funding from the Architectural Heritage Fund for a more detailed viability study.

With growing momentum, for dedicated individuals came together to formally establish the Oldham Mural & Cultural Heritage Trust to lead the project forward. The project has strong support from the Fitton Hill community, who are eager to see the building brought back to life.

Residents are proud to have an internationally significant artwo

With growing momentum, for dedicated individuals came together to formally establish the Oldham Mural & Cultural Heritage Trust to lead the project forward. The project has strong support from the Fitton Hill community, who are eager to see the building brought back to life.

Residents are proud to have an internationally significant artwork in their neighbourhood and believe its restoration will benefit the local community and create valuable opportunities for young people. The Hungarian diaspora across Greater Manchester also consider it vitally important to preserve this piece of their heritage, strengthening their sense of pride and belonging.

Kim Rogers is a trustee of the new trust that is campaigning to secure funding, restore the church, protect the mural, and create a community-led cultural centre that brings people together, inspires creativity, and celebrates local heritage. If you would like to get involved and support us, please get in touch. We are currently looking 

Kim Rogers is a trustee of the new trust that is campaigning to secure funding, restore the church, protect the mural, and create a community-led cultural centre that brings people together, 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.