Oldham town centre 'masterplan' could be scrapped

Oldham Council's £350 million town centre masterplan could be dismissed following the election of a new leader.

Cllr Sean Fielding has revealed he intends to block the planned demolition of the Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Tommyfield Market Hall, adding that while the civic centre is dated and in need of investment, “there is still life left in it”.

Cllr Fielding, who at aged 28 is set to become the youngest-ever council leader, stood against current leader Cllr Jean Stretton at the annual Labour group meeting and won, despite the party strengthening its grip on Oldham in last week's local elections.

Failsworth West ward Cllr Fielding will now become the leader at the annual meeting of Oldham Council on May 23.

In an open letter to chief executive Dr Carolyn Wilkins, Leader-elect Cllr Fielding said the regeneration plans “fall far short of what is required to give a compelling vision for Oldham”.

He added: “There are, without doubt, ways to justify a move to a new civic centre, a key element of the masterplan.

"However, it cannot be justified in the context of the cuts being made to the vital services accessed by those which my councillor colleagues and I have been elected to represent.

“Whilst the current civic centre is dated and in need of investment there is still life left in it.

"Equally, the QE Hall is an important and unique facility, not just within the borough but within the wider city region, and it must not be lost.

“We will therefore revisit plans for a hotel supporting the QE hall to gain some value from feasibility and ground condition studies already undertaken.

“I recognise that a training hotel model which was originally hoped for may not be achievable in the current climate, but other models of operation are available.”

Speaking about the market hall, he added: “It is a significant feature of Oldham town centre and again there is no denying that this is a building which is also in need of investment.

“However, I am firmly of the view that this is a valuable asset the town centre and is much loved by the people of the borough."

Cllr Fielding, a former Tesco worker, works as press and communications officer for Ashton MP Angela Rayner.

Looking ahead to his new office heading up the council, Cllr Fielding vowed: "My leadership will be open, confident and inclusive.

"I value the work of public services in Oldham and see the potential of our town. Together we can build an exciting future."