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New life for Royton
Date published: 20 February 2012
A MULTI-MILLION pound revamp of Royton centre is set to spark unprecedented regeneration for the area.
After months of uncertainty and rumours, the Chronicle can reveal the far-reaching extent of proposals that could see the arrival of a major new food store and an overhaul of the existing precinct.
Oldham Council has announced its intention to strike a commercial agreement to work with development company Dransfield Properties Ltd.
The company, which has a track record of large-scale developments, became the new owners of the doomed Royton Assembly Hall after buying it from administrators last year. The firm has since bought other properties and has negotiated with Royton traders to make the plan a reality.
If agreed, plans would include the creation of a new supermarket — which the Chronicle understands to be Morrisons.
Extensive improvements to the precinct and surrounding areas would be undertaken, as well as the creation of improved parking and transport links.
Royton Assembly Hall would be redeveloped, the town hall and library improved or refurbished and the popular market enhanced.
Council leader Jim McMahon said: “This agreement could be the spark for an excellent regeneration scheme that goes even wider and would significantly improve the district centre as a whole.
“This could be another excellent example of cooperative working, whereby Oldham Council works alongside the private sector to deliver a solution that significantly improves the area for all concerned.”
The plans go before Oldham Council cabinet next Monday: the arrangement will let both partners present their own development schemes.
The redevelopment will put an end to intense speculation about the district’s future. Over the years local residents expressed anger about the half-finished eyesore the Assembly Hall had become.
Having been bought by Manchester-based Whispers in 2002, the promised building never materialised and a winding-up petition was brought on the company by HMRC. Administrators sold the hall at auction last October.
Now the site is set to become a prominent landmark at the centre of a radical redesign.
It comes as the site of a new leisure centre is still under discussion. the council wishes to replace Crompton Pool and Royton Sports Centre with a single new venue. Seven of the nine preferred locations — including the leading contender — are said to be in Royton, though this has not been confirmed for commercial reasons.
Councillor McMahon said: “Oldham Council has long had its own aspirations for Royton district centre, in particular to refurbish Royton town hall as a new neighbourhood hub. As part of this Dransfield and ourselves are committed to having a thorough public consultation exercise. It is crucial that the final plans meet both the genuine needs of the area and the aspirations of local people.”
Comments
A major supermarket in the center of royton with already limited parking and peak-time chugged roads? Can't see that ending badly.
Great news this - Royton has the potential to be a real gem in the Oldham borough - an awful lot has already been done to make the shopping offer (independent shops) really good (cash converter aside) - bucking the national trend. With a bit of political will and local folk getting behind it, it could be a real dose of medicine....come on OMBC and Cllr McMahon - give us a reason to praise rather than condemn!
It's to be hoped that this major new store (reported to be Morrisons) doesn't suck the life out of the smaller independent retailers, as unfortunately all too often happens.
Actually what Cllr McMahon forgot to mention is that some buildings and businesses will have to be purchased by the developers. Indeed the developers will need to get the owners of the existing buildings to give them permission to demolish their current premises. Otherwise this scheme will be dead in the water.
Great. More low paid jobs. Just what the town needs.
Another nail in the coffin for the ever diminishing independant local traders, and for most it will be the last.
And people wonder why all the shops are closing down and being replaced with fast food outlets.
Stop whingeing and moaning. I'm sure that those retailers who wish to remain in the area will be accomodated in the new development, just as they were in the Failsworth centre redevelopment.
'Owdamer', you obviously haven't noticed that there are also well paid jobs in the retail sector and many jobs that suit the needs of lots of local people with family responsibilities.
What a lot of moaning minnies! We need Morrisons to give some competition to the Co-op store with its very high prices and since the demise of Haldanes has been in complete control with its exhorbitant prices. The Co-op still own their old store (ex Haldanes) and refused to sell or rent this building to Iceland who wanted to open a store in Royton. No doubt they were afraid of the competition Iceland would provide. Pricewise, a Morrisons store will benefit all the Royton population.
Its called change!!!! Change for the better I'd say....Bring it on.
So does this mean i won't have to leave Royton to shop, I could even get a job in my own town,Brilliant, bring it on, Wellcome to Royton Dransfield Properties,(i would've preffered Asda though).
Have Your Say
Super, smashing, great. Erm another supermarket!! How many local businesses will go this time? The last thing Royton needs is a supermarket, just like the last thing Shaw needed was another supermarket that hasn't improved the area at all.
By Max Damage @ 20/02/2012 15:21:29