‘At risk’ Oldham can rise to the challenge

Oldham’s historic town hall - part of the regeneration plan

A MASTERPLAN is set to improve an “at risk” Oldham town centre as it tackles a double whammy of economic hardship.

Town hall chiefs across Greater Manchester are joining forces to earn new investment as they recognise challenges from online shopping and out-of-town developments.

A review by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority proposes recommendations for struggling town centres, including Oldham.

The authority is calling for an acceleration of plans to turn the old town hall into a cinema-led complex and managing the threat from out-of-town retailing.

Oldham, Rochdale and Ashton are all within the top 20 most “at risk” town centres in the country, research has found — a measure of the current long-term risks from current consumer and retail trends.

Councillor Shoab Akhtar, deputy council leader and town-centre Cabinet member for Oldham Council, believes the town centre can emerge from the recession “stronger” by working with town halls across the region.

He said: “The report itself is a thorough independent challenge that we welcome.

“Many issues identified aren’t new and we have action under way or planned to tackle them, but we also recognise we don’t have a monopoly on the right answers and we’re keen to share this with our partners to agree areas for further attention.

“With our £100 million capital investment programme we have plans, like those for the old town hall, Hotel Future and a new Heritage Centre, that can transform Oldham, capitalise on the new Metrolink line running through the heart of the town centre and attract new footfall and audiences.”

The plan — due to go before council chiefs on Friday — could see returns from investments recycled and become available to fund subsequent town-centre projects across the region.