Vision for town’s future welcomed

Potential investors impressed
partners and potential investors consider Oldham’s plans for a new Civic Square and hotel exciting, positive, and a great showcase for Oldham.

Extensive plans for the town centre, which also include a full-time vocational training centre, were unveiled at a launch at Gallery Oldham.

The scheme announced 11 prime sites identified by Oldham Council as ideal locations for investors to transform the town centre.

Mike Flanagan, Spindles and Town Square Shopping Centre manager, said: “It was good to see so many representatives from a cross section of interested parties, such as developers, agencies and architects.

“Plans such as the hotel being linked with Metrolink shows the town is confident about its future and is not just sitting back and letting things happen. The council is currently talking to the owners of the shopping centre about potential investment in the future.

“From the owners point of view, any investment in the town centre, whether it’s business or residential, has got to be of interest as it brings more people to Oldham.”

Jeremy Broadbent, chief executive officer of the Johnson Group and member of Oldham Business Leadership Group, said: “The Invest in Oldham event was marvellous and a great showcase for Oldham.

“Council leader Jim McMahon gave a very impassioned speech from the heart about Oldham being open for business, which is a great message. Both he and council chief executive Charlie Parker have been very busy behind the scenes working for the benefit of Oldham, and they did say there was more in the pipeline.

“We’ve really got to raise the profile of this town. I’m looking forward to getting involved.”

Cath Green, chief executive at First Choice Homes Oldham, said: “There was a real feeling that Oldham was a vibrant town and you couldn’t help but get excited about the plans. The challenge is for partners to get involved and we will definitely be involved.”

Lees-born Phil Mayall, development director for Salford Quays-based Muse Developments, grew up in Waterhead and was impressed, adding: “It was refreshing to see the council leader and chief executive make it clear that they are a can-do council.

“As for the plans, there was enough information there to spark an interest, and although we need to look at things in more detail, the event definitely served its purpose.”

John Early, of regeneration specialists GENR8 Developments, said: “The presentation was very good, especially the clear message that people want to make things happen in Oldham and are looking at working with partners. It is certainly a plan that we will be looking at seriously.”