The council says more than 50,000 visitors have used the market since it opened in March.

Market footfall has increased by 15 per cent, while visitor numbers at The Spindles have risen by 10 per cent, the council said.

The figures were released six months after the market moved into the shopping centre as part of Oldham’s £450 million town centre investment programme.

Traders say the move has brought new customers and encouraged former shoppers to return.

Mark Crossley, of Crossley’s Fish, said his business had seen around a 20 per cent increase in visitors.

He said “It's been fantastic to welcome back customers we haven't seen in years, with people travelling from Saddleworth, Shaw and Crompton to come and visit the sparkling new market.”

Patrick Scrivens, of Town Barber Too, said the building’s layout was bringing more people past the stalls.

He said “Because you can walk right through the building it's also being used as a cut through and as well as our regular customers, many new people will use the stalls over time even if they don't normally shop in a market.”

Ross McGivern, of The Greenroom café and sandwich bar, said the business had gained customers since relocating.

Its ground-floor premises are smaller than its previous shop, but he said the position beside the entrance suited the business. An open area in front is available for local organisations to hold events and workshops.

Kelly Bentley, of The Hen House, said trade had improved, with council staff among those visiting during lunch breaks or after work.

She said “The increased trade, the steady stream of new customers and the new space being in the Spindles have all helped our business to grow.”

James Kington, Oldham Council’s director of growth, said the figures showed the market was encouraging local spending.

He said “The increase in sales for our traders and the positive impact on the wider shopping centre show that the market is helping to drive footfall, encourage people to spend locally and strengthen the town centre.”

The council said the Spindles redevelopment had been nominated for Retrofit Project of the Year at the Manchester Property Awards.

The former Tommyfield Market site is due to be developed into the second phase of Tommyfield Park.