Revitalising Oldham centre to create a brighter, safer, more sustainable future

The centres of our towns and cities have faced many challenges over the last thirty years. In recent times this has accelerated, with the growth in online retail, the impact of the cost of living crisis and changes to how we socialise following the pandemic.

The result has been dwindling footfall, empty premises, reduced job opportunities and an increase in social problems that are associated with these trends.

Oldham town centre is no different and has witnessed these changes, alongside a move away from its traditional manufacturing-based economy.

However, this now offers us the opportunity to reimagine and reenergise our town centre through innovative partnerships, and by working at a local level to solve these problems and create new and thriving communities for the future.

At Muse, it’s our belief that Oldham has all the right ingredients for this to happen, including a diverse, young, and growing population, and fantastic connectivity, both in terms of transport and a new dark fibre ultrafast open network. However, it needs help bringing these elements together to create a great place to live and work.

That’s why we’ve entered a 15-year partnership with Oldham council to help to deliver a brighter, safer and more sustainable future. Following our public consultation on the development framework in the Summer of 2024, we want to outline some of the key opportunities and those ingredients which will bring life back into our town centre.

A clear vision and plan based on distinctive placemaking

Oldham’s Town Investment Plan presents a clear vision for transforming the town into a vibrant, sustainable, and prosperous place by 2030. At the heart of this vision is a commitment to placemaking – creating distinctive, attractive spaces that leverage Oldham’s unique heritage and location while addressing its current issues.

The plan outlines several statement projects that will redefine Oldham’s identity and appeal. The ambitious Northern Roots project will create the UK’s largest urban farm and eco-park, offering 160 acres of green space for recreation, education, and sustainable enterprise. This nationally significant development will showcase Oldham’s commitment to green innovation and provide a major draw for visitors and residents alike.

In the town centre, the relocation of Tommyfield Market will free up space for a new urban park and housing, while the market’s move to a purpose-built facility will ensure its continued vitality. The Making Space for Live Performance project will breathe new life into vacant heritage buildings, creating a cultural hub that will boost the night-time economy and cement Oldham’s reputation as a destination for arts and entertainment.

These are just a few of the significant projects that will be the catalyst for the long-term regeneration of the district.

Creating new town centre residential neighbourhoods

Underpinning all of this is the critical role of residential development in revitalising the town centre. By delivering up to 2,000 new homes on key sites, we aim to bring life back to Oldham’s core, replacing the lost footfall and creating a catalyst for business growth and job creation. This influx of residents will also support a thriving night-time economy and create a more vibrant, 24-hour community. The diverse housing options and tenures we’re proposing will address key issues in Oldham’s housing market, providing high-quality homes that meet the needs of the town’s broad demographics.

This affordable housing will also sit alongside affordable workspace, ensuring that Oldham’s regeneration benefits all residents. Further improvements to public spaces and the urban environment will also enhance safety and well-being, making the town centre more inviting and liveable.

Locally led

Crucially, Oldham’s regeneration strategy is locally led, recognising that successful urban renewal requires deep local knowledge and broad community support.

The plans we are bringing forward are informed by, and developed in partnership with, a wide range of local networks, from the local authority to the youth council. This collaborative approach is to ensure that the plan reflects the aspirations and needs of Oldham’s diverse communities. The involvement of local businesses, community organisations, and residents at every stage of the process will hopefully create a sense of shared ownership and commitment to the town’s future.

By combining bold placemaking initiatives with a focus on sustainability, affordability, and community engagement, we’re hopeful that the plans to be consulted on set out a compelling roadmap for transformation. Together they demonstrate how locally led regeneration can create vibrant, inclusive urban environments that honour the past while embracing the future.

In doing so we’ll be solving the issues that have been impacting our town for many years and ensuring that we create jobs and deliver the new homes that will give people, particularly our young people, a strong sense of place and a reason to stay here. This will also allow Oldham to realise its potential and play a more prominent role in Greater Manchester and the north.

We are now preparing for our second community conversation, where we will present our designs based on the valuable feedback we’ve received from Oldhamers on our development framework. To get involved, follow our channels to stay updated on the latest information and find out about upcoming events, or see our website.

@muse_places

@oldhamtownliving