New shops breathe fresh life into Oldham

A CUT above: Jenny Dawson outside Illumina

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OLDHAM town centre is enjoying further boosts with a new business and homes plan for Mumps, new independent traders on Yorkshire Street and new shops at Spindles.

Plans for business, leisure and homes around Mumps will be discussed by Oldham Council’s Cabinet on Monday.

An architect firm behind successes in Manchester, Liverpool, Belfast and Glasgow has been commissioned to draw up an “Eastern Gateway” masterplan. One or two big retailers are wanted and there could also be a new multi-storey car park.

The plan will complement Oldham’s new £1 million Yorkshire Street Triangle Business Support Initiative to encourage more small shops and businesses.

Already there are signs of change. A new salon has opened on Yorkshire Street in a former fireplace shop hit by lost trade during the tram works. Illumina is based in the former Open Fire Centre and owner Jenny Dawson said Oldham faces a brighter future with all the improvements taking place. Meanwhile, in Spindles, major catalogue firm JD Williams is bucking the online trend by opening two new shops. The company, which has a huge warehouse in Shaw, is opening a clothing and homeware store and a jewellery outlet linked to its Crazy Clearance website.