Oldham: Grand opening for new Billingtons Dance Academy

Ashcroft Street Academy shut its doors for good in 2016 but now the property has reopened under the name, Billingtons Dance Academy.

The building, which is around 100 years old, was a dance hub close to many Oldhamers' hearts for decades.

Officials from the council including borough mayor, Cllr Elaine Garry, have attended a grand opening alongside business leaders, and other community members.

The multi-million pound project comes with a 3,500sq/ft (325sq/m) event space on the first floor complete with separate bar/lounge and meeting spaces.

The whole building across three floors has over 10,000sq/ft of space (929sq/m).

The plans for the future of Billingtons were announced at an event back in March – where it was revealed that the dance hall’s original curtains would be framed and retained.

The original curtains

Krzysztof Zemlik, co-director of Ascroft Medical, based on Clegg Street and Ascroft Court, is the owner of the building.

He said: “Our exciting plans for the building, which has been part of the social history of Oldham for so many years, are now coming to fruition with the renovation of our beautiful event space.

“Last year we held Billingtons Oldham Showcase when we were able to take guests on our journey so far and share our plans for the future.

Left to right: High Sheriff Lorraine Worsley Carter, Mayor of Oldham, Krzysztof Zemlik, and the Mayor's Consort (Image: Clive Lawrence)

“These renovations of the building are now complete and come at a pivotal time in Oldham’s history as we all look forward with a shared vision shaping the future of Oldham together.

“It’s a building with nearly a century of history, so we have been keen to keep as many of the features as possible, especially on the top floor of the building.

“Now, during the weekdays, people can just pop in for a coffee and a snack. There will be a whole host of different events and activities taking place at Billingtons from business events to conferences, however there will also be opportunities for dancing events too.

“Dancing will once again be synonymous with Billingtons Oldham.”

The newly refurbished ballroom (Image: Clive Lawrence)

Originally Turner’s Dance Academy, the name was changed to Billingtons in 1934, before it was eventually bought by former dance pupils Dennis and Brenda Massey in 1970.

Just days before the grand official opening, the Oldham mayor chose Billingtons for her Charity Afternoon Tea Dance.

Within minutes of the music starting, previous owner of Billingtons Brenda Massey was invited to take to the floor for the first dance on the renovated dance floor.

As Brenda’s husband Dennis had died, her family friend Graham joined her in a foxtrot dance.

Krzysztof with former owner Brenda Massey and her friend Graham at Billington's (Image: Clive Lawrence)

Krzysztof has also bought the adjoining house, which was once the home of past owners, the late Norma Billington MBE and her husband Albert.

The house is also being renovated and set to reflect the bygone era of the dance academy and will be available for stays on Airbnb.