About
The Oldham Mural & Cultural Heritage Trust was established in March 2026 to protect and celebrate the internationally significant George Mayer‑Marton mural and to bring the former Holy Rosary Church in Fitton Hill back into community use.
How it began
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.
What the Study Found
The appraisal which was funded by the Architectural Heritage Fund and created by Counterculture LLP and Beat Bazaar Projects confirmed that the project is sustainable and can operate as a community resource through venue hire income and fundraising. It also identified four core activities for the revived building:
- A community hub offering affordable space for local groups
- A centre for art and heritage, including mural viewings, talks and exhibitions
- Conservation of the mural
- A volunteer‑led community garden
A New Trust Leading the Vision
With growing momentum, four 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.
Our Trustees
- Kim Rogers – Founder of Spark Oldham CIC and long-standing community advocate
- Ottilia Ördög – Director of Beat Bazaar Projects, partner at Counterculture LLP, and community facilitator
- Krisztina Katai‑Nagy – Former Consul General of Hungary in Manchester
- Stephen Haines – Health and safety expert, former parishioner and altar boy at Holy Rosary Church
The launch of the Trust has been warmly welcomed by local MP Jim McMahon, as well as SAVE Britain’s Heritage, which played a pivotal role in securing Grade II listing for the Mayer‑Marton mural in 2022. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Salford has also offered strong support for both the project and the newly established charitable organisation.
The trustees share a clear vision: to create a vibrant, creative, inclusive centre where young people and the wider community can develop skills, express themselves, and access meaningful arts and cultural opportunities.
Our Mission Moving Forward
The new trust is now 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.