Positive outlook for regeneration

Craig Dean — Oldham President of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Chief Executive of Web Applications UK

HERE in Oldham we seem to find it easy to focus on the negatives, but having attended a number of events showcasing plans for regeneration, it is difficult to feel anything but positive.

Oldham is pushing forward, determined to show we are no longer a dusty old mill town but a place of real innovation and growth, bringing a brighter future to everyone in the borough.

This was exemplified by this summer’s opening of the Mahdlo Youth Zone which aims to raise the aspirations of Oldham’s young people.

Outstanding educational institutions such as Oldham Sixth Form, The Oldham College and University Campus Oldham are ensuring a skilled workforce for the future. These skilled young workers won’t need to go far for incredible career opportunities, either.

Invest in Oldham is a proactive movement by Oldham Council to attract business to the area. At the launch event at Gallery Oldham in March, potential financiers were shown reasons why they should view Oldham differently — great location, great people, great infrastructure and great businesses.

It was here that the Hotel Future project, a luxury hotel doubling as a full-time vocational training centre, was unveiled. The £40 million project is a world first and will create hundreds of new jobs and apprenticeships for the area.

The intended location is next to the Queen Elizabeth Hall which will itself be renovated to create a new Civic Square rivalling Bolton’s Victoria Square and Manchester’s Albert Square.

Our Grade Two listed Old Town Hall is also part of the restoration plans. When these projects near completion, the new Metrolink will be in place, connecting Oldham to central and Greater Manchester.

Bringing great transport links to the town will encourage businesses to the area. The temporary line to Oldham Mumps is already open.

The next few years will be critical to restoring the prominence Oldham once held.

These are exciting times for the entire region and as Oldham president of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, I welcome the fundamental changes needed to see the town flourish.


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