Welcome to Oldham

With a proud industrial heritage dating back to the cotton mills of the 19th century, and stunning landscapes on the doorstep, Oldham is an ambitious and diverse borough with a wealth of investment, regeneration and recreational opportunities, right on the edge of the Pennines.

Oldham’s story is one of resilience and transformation. Once at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution, this town is forging a new future for those who live here now and for generations to come - with vibrant arts and culture, world-class educational opportunities and a supportive business environment in which startups and multinational corporations alike can thrive.

Town Centre Regeneration

Here in Oldham we’re revamping our town centre, building a new business and residential community with people at its core. Millions of pounds in investment is creating new homes in the town centre, along with 1,000 new jobs and 100 apprenticeship opportunities, making Oldham a better place to live, work and raise a family.

At the heart of our redevelopment is our 15-year partnership with award-winning national placemaker Muse, who will deliver up to 2,000 homes across the town centre as well as new public realm, green spaces and a town centre park.

The homes will repurpose 24 acres of existing brownfield sites including the current site of Oldham Civic Centre, the former leisure centre site and the former Magistrates’ Court – bringing our town centre back to life for people who live here now and for generations to come.

Our new town centre communities will also benefit from projects including the restored Egyptian Room – soon to become home to a food court – the all new Spindles shopping centre, and even a brand new sixth form college, Eton Star Oldham, creating world-class educational opportunities for the next generation.

Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre

Plans to redevelop the Spindles Town Square shopping centre are already well underway, with new offices now operational and footfall boosted by around 1,000 people each day. The development, made possible through the Council’s purchase of the shopping centre, will result in a business growth hub and co-working space, offices for council staff, a new home for Tommyfield Market with a food hall, and an events space for use by community groups and professionals alike. Plans for a new theatre and public space and a restored Old Library with cultural, civic and community spaces are also well underway.

Linear Park

By redeveloping Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre and relocating Oldham’s Tommyfield Market, the council can free up previously developed land in the town centre to create much-needed green space. Existing brownfield sites will be brought back to life to create new homes and a 5.7-acre park which will offer residents the chance to exercise and spend time in nature.

The proposals for the new Linear Park include woodland glade planning, a heather terrace, new lawns and 85 new trees. Pathways will also be illuminated for safety and new cycle lanes will create links to existing networks.

Cultural Quarter

Another element of the regeneration of Oldham Town Centre revolves around preserving the borough’s heritage. The Old Library, The Local Studies and Archives Building and Oldham Theatre’s workshop will remain in place to preserve the history of the area but will form the basis of the cultural quarter offer alongside Gallery Oldham and the current Oldham Library.

The Cultural Quarter will also see a new, fit-for-purpose outdoor performance space created, that is flexible enough to accommodate creative and modern arts and performance needs.

Northern Roots

Outside of Oldham Town Centre, one of Oldham’s key projects is Northern Roots, set to be the UK’s largest urban farm and country park at more than 160 acres.

Situated on Snipe Clough to the south of Oldham town centre, and linked to the town centre by the new Oldham Greenway bike and walking route, the project will integrate into the existing Alexandra Park, creating a unique community asset and visitor destination that is in line with the borough’s sustainability goals. The space will become a destination for learning, leisure, wellbeing and enhancing the environment with activities such as market gardening, mountain biking and forest schools. It will also host woodland weddings and events.

Welcome to Oldham—a town with a proud past and an even brighter future.

To learn more about growth and investment opportunities in Oldham, visit the Manchester Stand C15.B at MIPIM 2024 for networking opportunities and stand sessions.