Oldham masterplan looking ahead to 2035 has been ongoing for some time.
This looks at five strategic sites totalling 21 acres in size and seeks to find better uses that can redevelop and improve the town centre.
The benefits would include the building of new homes, 55,000 sq metres of new and refurbished employment space, and economic activity worth an additional £50 million a year to Oldham’s economy.
If every masterplan element is delivered it could be worth an estimated 560 full-time jobs during construction, plus up to 700 new jobs in Oldham.
This plan is the first step towards creating a town centre that works better and is aspirational for everyone – from residents to families, public sector partners and businesses/traders of all sizes.
The proposals include plans to:
Build a new Tommyfield Market on the existing site with a new 600-capacity multi-storey car park to attract additional visitors - plus complementary new retail/leisure units and quality public spaces.
Create a new Civic Hub using land including the former Oldham Sports Centre. This would be home to agencies from across the public sector sharing accommodation and costs, plus new commercial office space.
A potentially refurbished Queen Elizabeth Hall with a new hotel, offices and homes could go on the current Civic Centre, Magistrates Court and Oldham Police Station sites.
Additional homes could be built at the current Rock Street car park site and the surrounding area.
Oldham Council have asked for members of the public to consult them:
The remaining dates and venues are as follows:
Wednesday 8 Oldham Civic Centre*
Drop-in session for residents and councillors from 4pm prior to Full Council meeting at 6pm
Friday 10 11.30am – 1.30pm Egyptian Room, Old Town Hall, Parliament Square
Saturday 11 11.30am – 2.30pm Oasis Academy - Hollins Road, Hollinwood
Wednesday 15 12-2pm Failsworth Town Hall
Friday 24 11am – 1pm Chadderton Library and Wellbeing Centre
Thursday 30 2-4pm Delph Library
December
Saturday 2 11am – 2pm Brass Monkeys event – Oldham town centre*
* Consultation in Egyptian Room, Old Town Hall, Parliament Square
Wednesday 6 1-3pm Uppermill Library
Thursday 7 12-2pm Staff drop-in session at the Civic Centre
Monday 11 1-4pm Oldham Library and Lifelong Learning Centre
Tuesday 12 2 – 3.30pm Greenfield Library
Wednesday 13 10am-12noon Lees Library
