Oldham’s Tommyfield Market could move says Council leader

Traders complain about flooding and leaking roof at Tommyfield Market Hall in Oldham.

The leader of Oldham Council hasn’t ruled out the possibility that Tommyfield Market could move to a new location as part of the town centre masterplan.

The indoor and outdoor market currently sit on the edge of the town centre, across the road from the Tommyfield Pub, but under plans released by the local authority the site could be transformed into retail, residential and green spaces.

Oldham has been home to a market since the 18th century and has continued to trade ever since.

Speaking to Revolution News leader of Oldham Council Sean Fielding did give his backing to keeping the market going but did suggest it could move.

“We have identified the current site at Tommyfield market as a sustainable future site for the market to remain there but that’s not to say we’re not ruling out other options as things come forward.”

OIdham Council’s Masterplan calls for bit changes to the town centre and the surrounding area with places like the Queen Elizabeth Hall earmarked to become residential and green spaces while the old Magistrates Court could be turned into a hotel.

But regarding the market Councillor Fielding signalled that he sees it as an important part of the town.

“It’s somewhere where someone might pay a little bit more for their meat or fruit or veg but they do that because they have a relationship with the trader who they enjoy going and having a chat with or they enjoy walking around the market and seeing the sights and sounds of the market hall and we need to retain that.”

No time limit has been put on when a decision will be made regarding if the market will move but the Council’s cabinet are due to meet on Monday (24th June) to discuss using Compulsory Purchase Orders to take control of areas of land they don’t currently own.

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