Vision for the future

Cllr Jim McMahon (Leader of Oldham Council), Paul Hughes (Zutti proprietor and member of Town Centre Business Partnership Board), Cllr Shoab Akhtar.

OLDHAM town centre’s regeneration has enjoyed a further boost with the announcement of a £1 million support package for new, independent shops and businesses.

Oldham Council’s Cabinet last night backed a report calling for the authority to commit itself to the scheme focusing on the Yorkshire Street and Union Street East areas.

Triangle
The aim is to improve the mix of shops with viable, independent businesses that attract shoppers and also create more attractive routes between key development sites across the town centre.

Expert business advice and financial support will also be available to help retailers and investors refurbish, buy or rent properties.

The initial focus of the £1 million scheme will support plans to create a new independent retailers quarter in the triangle of land between Yorkshire Street, Clegg Street and Union Street East.

Oldham town centre is already undergoing major regeneration as part of wide-ranging plans to transform what it offers to business, residents and visitors. Council leader Jim McMahon said: “This framework is a vital part of our plans to transform what is on offer in Oldham town centre.

“We already have a series of major regeneration projects under way that will dramatically enhance our entertainment, cultural and leisure offer including schemes for a cinema and restaurants at the old town hall, Hotel Future, a new leisure centre, plus a new Coliseum theatre and heritage centre.

“This package is a further part of our strategic review of the whole town centre.

“It will initially help us to strengthen the identity and distinctiveness of the Yorkshire Street ‘triangle’ in a range of ways by supporting existing and new start-up independent businesses in the area, while also enhancing the local environment and boosting visitor numbers.”

Other plans include minor changes to Tommyfield Market, added Councillor McMahon.

He added: “We want to take some trade from neighbouring areas in Rochdale and Tameside, and get the Saddleworth and east Oldham pound back in Oldham town centre.

“A new hairdressers and a cafe have already opened on Yorkshire Street and people already see Oldham as a place to invest. We want to see more independents and more Oldham-based businesses in these areas not just the national chains. This is about putting the heart and soul back into Oldham.

“Given all the works associated with the trams, we would expect people not to be happy. They have been frustrated however there is strong interest in the redevelopment of the town centre. We can manage decline or fight back. We’ve taken the decision to fight back.”
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