Cabinet switched-on to electric car point

Oldham Council Cabinet IT’S green for go as Oldham revs up to welcome electric cars to its new charging hub and showroom in Hollinwood.

Cabinet yesterday approved plans to transform the former Roxy Cinema site into a one-stop shop for electric vehicles.

Members agreed a report recommending a long-term lease be awarded to the Manchester Electric Car Company (MECC) for the development which is scheduled to open in summer, 2012.

The first of its kind in England, it would include a showroom and information point, lease and rental cars and bikes, rapid charging points and an after-sales care team.

As part of the Electric Vehicle Scheme, the Hollinwood pod will be the first of six earmarked sites across Greater Manchester.

A total of 300 charging points are set to be installed across the region by 2013.

Oldham Council is leading the initiative on behalf of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) which, after securing a government grant of £3.6million, attracted private investors to form the MECC.

Councillor Dave Hibbert said other local authorities had wanted the charging hub in their area.

He added: “This is clearly another example of Oldham leading the way.”

Council leader Jim McMahon said: “Hollinwood is now the focus of regeneration instead of being cast aside. In six months, look at what can be achieved with the right administration in charge.

“This is just the start for Hollinwood.

“Despite the economy, its really positive news and bucking the trend.”