The Church of the Holy Rosary is located in on Fir Tree Avenue in Oldham, Greater Manchester. The building is owned by the Diocese of Salford. The area is a residential area of c.1950s housing, with the Holy Rosary School being based opposite the church building. The area is accessible primarily by car or bus.
1940
A mission in Fitton Hill was established by FR Buckley, assistant priest at St Patricks Church in Oldham. He arranged for the purchase of land in 1940, before the new housing was built.
1954
The Church was built in 1954-5, from designs by W. & J.B. Ellis, who were a notable 20th century ecclesiastical architect practicing in the north-west region. Their works included several surviving churches in Manchester and Liverpool. The foundation stone was laid by Bishop Marshall on 2 October 1954.
1955
The church was officially opened by Mgr Cunningham in July 1955.
1970
The presbytery was built in around 1970.
2009
In 2009 the parishes of the Holy Family and Holy Rosary churches were merged.
2017
In 2017 the Holy Rosary Church was closed following a diocesan review.
2022
In 2022 the Holy Rosary Church was listed as a Grade II, in recognition of the importance of George Mayor-Marton’s Mural.
Plan of building
What repairs are needed for the building to be usable again?
The building will require a comprehensive upgrade to fabric and services to enable it to be secure and useable for the future.
These works will include:
• Renewal of roof coverings with structural repairs and upgrade in thermal insulation.
• Upgrade of structured frame fixings following inspection and assessment.
• Upgrade in thermal insulation to walling, pointing repairs to brickwork.
• Upgrade of windows to thermally sealed units.
• Joinery repair and refurbishment.
• New mechanical heating and electrical systems.