Our vision for the rebirth of Royton

THE way we see it . . . Mark Dransfield, managing director of Dransfield Properties Ltd (centre) discusses the future of Royton town centre with Oldham Council leader Jim McMahon and Councillor Barbara Brownridge

A REGENERATIVE deal has been struck for the rebirth of Royton centre.

Unprecedented plans were sealed yesterday with Oldham Council leader Jim McMahon and developing giant Dransfield Properties, whose chief revealed a “lasting legacy” will be created.

The multi-million-pound revamp could begin in January, 2013, with extensive development plans and job creation revealed later this spring.

A fully integrated food store — believed to be a Morrisons — is among the plans as well as the redevelopment of the much-scrutinised Royton Assembly Hall.

The Chronicle understands a section of the decaying Royton Precinct could also be bulldozed and redeveloped. The refurbishment of the town hall and library were also discussed, along with the enhancement of the market.

Dransfield’s managing director, Mark Dransfield spoke to councillors and locals about how the development can bring a new lease of life to the area.

He said: “The work we have covered with Oldham Council in the last three months is what we cover in 12 months with some local authorities.

“This clearly shows great progress and that Oldham is open for business.

“We have worked on town centre developments for the last 20 years and believe that the most important factor is getting the location of the food store right so it can underpin the rest of the area and have a positive impact.

“We are looking to produce quality architecture for the area, leaving a legacy for the people of Royton.”

The urban-regeneration specialists became the new owners of Royton Assembly Hall after purchasing it from administrators last year.

The award-winning firm is also currently working on the second phase of a regeneration development in Openshaw, East Manchester — which includes a Morrisons supermarket, Poundland and B&M Bargains store.

Plans to enter into an “agreement” with the company were approved by Cabinet members on Monday night.

Councillor McMahon said Royton centre was at “tipping point”, adding: “Royton is a good place to live but the poor-quality precinct is no longer fit for purpose and action is needed.

“This partnership offers a range of significant potential benefits, including the end of the Assembly Hall saga which has frustrated people and blighted the area.

“Our vision is for Royton Town Hall to become a proper refurbished community hub again — and it is equally important we ensure the market is able to thrive and that the precinct environment improves and attracts new investment.”

The next step is a public consultation inviting residents and traders to have their say and submit ideas and aspirations.

Precinct trader Simon Holdaway, who runs Simply Fruit and Veg, is all for the scheme.

He said: “There is just one word for the Royton centre at the moment — shabby.

“So anything to help is welcome — maybe it could have been done without a supermarket.”

David Greenhalgh, of David Lawrence (Royton) Ltd Jewellers, in Royton Precinct, said: “Royton people deserve this as there are a number of eyesores in the centre.

“This is fabulous news and the supermarket will bring in more footfall.”