The shape of things to come

Date published: 21 January 2009

The giant Tesco store in Huddersfield Road, Oldham, is fast taking shape, changing the skyline to the east of the town.

The 70,000 sq ft store, which is expected to open this year, should secure 750 jobs under a £35 million improvement plan for the Huddersfield Road district centre.

The development includes refurbishment of existing shops next to Tesco, new shops, and a replacement Tesco, built on stilts with parking underneath.

It will stock clothing and electricals as well as food and drink. The old building was closed and demolished in 2007 — since then customers have been shopping at a much smaller temporary Tesco store lower down Huddersfield Road.