Prince’s Gate proposals get early seal of approval

EXCITING project, Roger Firth from the council’s regeneration team explains the plans to Claire Clark and son Ben (8)

OLDHAMERS curious about the new Prince’s Gate development at Mumps found out more about the project over the weekend.

A council team showed residents the plans on Friday and Saturday at an exhibition near the Mumps tram stop.

The “game changing” regeneration scheme, unveiled last November, will transform the town centre’s eastern entrance with new shops, homes and jobs and a Marks and Spencer store. Proposals feature plans for up to 800 homes, including apartments, and around 700 parking spaces.

The proposals, which will occupy the current Metrolink park and ride area and beyond, will come before Oldham Council planning committee a week on Wednesday.

Claire Clarke came with her children to find out more about the M&S store. She said: “It’s good they’re doing up the whole of Rhodes Bank.”

Gary Millward was especially interested in the housing proposals. He said: “It’s looking very impressive. I think it’s very positive. There’s a shortage of one and two-bedroom flats in the town. These flats are just what the town needs.”