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.”
