Town hall cinema is a blockbuster

OLDHAM has been named one of Britain’s top towns for council-led regeneration.

The British Council of Shopping Centres (BCSC) has hailed the old town hall cinema project in its report “Enabling Retail Development — the importance of local authority leadership and positive partnerships”, written by senior industry figures.

The document highlights nine councils which have overcome significant obstacles to pioneer town-centre regeneration.

Council leader Jim McMahon said: “When Oldham was at its industrial peak the old town hall was a statement of civic pride. We know this building is hugely important to local people and also to the future prospects of Oldham town centre’s economy.”

John Coyne, chief executive at BCSC, said: “Development viability and local leadership are critical factors when retail property developers make investment decisions. Investors need assurance from a proactive and engaged local authority if they are to be willing to commit investing time and money into complex regeneration schemes.

“The benefits it can bring are perfectly presented in this report, and the creativity and commitment offered by the local authorities selected is evident.”

Refurbishment schemes in Bradford, Sheffield, Walsall, Newport, Ealing, Hounslow, Hemel Hempstead and Woking also made the list.