17/04/08

New Oldham brand revealed by Hemisphere

Oldham’s new visual identity, one of the results of the Oldham Rebranding Project, was unveiled earlier this week, following approval from all the relevant parties.

Created and designed by Hemisphere, the Manchester-based agency commissioned by Oldham Council and Oldham Partnership to work on the Oldham rebranding project, the new identity is based on the concept of ‘one Oldham’.  It focuses on bringing together all the diverse communities and landscapes that exist across the area and also introduces a specific ‘tone of voice’ that embraces the many individual towns, communities, generations and cultures that make up Oldham.

The visual approach is based on a three dimensional circle and badge, a symbol of unity, in which the subtle reflection of landscape can be seen.  The strong turquoise used as the main colour gives boldness and a high recognition factor to the new identity, whilst the distinctive typeface reflects Oldham’s down to earth and practical character.

Sue Vanden, a Director of Hemisphere, comments, “We wanted to communicate that Oldham is a classic case of the whole being greater than the sum of the parts.  We have worked to create one coherent brand whilst, at the same time, recognising that there needs to be flexibility to present what Oldham is about to a wide variety of audiences.  A single slogan would not be appropriate so we have developed a range of phrases in a particular style, such as ‘many places, one direction’ or ‘many cultures, one community’.  Adopting this approach enables us to appeal to both residents inside the various districts of Oldham where we need to work to a more cohesive community, and outside the area where we have to work to overturn existing negative perceptions.”

Council Chief Executive, Andrew Kilburn, said, “One of the key aims of the new identity was for it to be simple, effective and easy to use across the whole of Oldham.  The visual approach developed by Hemisphere works so well because it signifies unity whilst simultaneously acknowledging the importance of the diversity of places and communities that go together to make up Oldham as a whole.  We see the new brand as being a positive platform from which we can look forward and start getting Oldham’s message across to the outside world.”

Implementation of the new identity is now in planning.  The new brand will be implemented gradually over time and should start to appear from early summer onwards.

Hemisphere has been responsible for creating successful brand identities for Salford, Sunderland and, most recently, Bolton.

The Oldham brand identity can be seen at the One Oldham microsite.

ENDS –

For further press information please contact:

Belinda Graham, PR for Hemisphere on tel: 07812 537533 or
email Belinda.graham@ntlworld.com

or

Sue Vanden, Director, Hemisphere on 0161 907 3730 or
email sue@hemispheredmc.com