Published: Tuesday, 21st March 2023
An ongoing project to make Oldham town centre more accessible and connected for residents is taking steps towards being finished, just in time for summer.
The improvements to the town centre started in January 2022, making Oldham easier, safe and more enjoyable to travel around, especially for pedestrians, people in wheelchairs, and those with prams and buggies.
Over the past 15 months, the team have been hard at work creating a new space along Henshaw Street / Albion Street making it into a visually appealing and more accessible, space for all to enjoy.
The ground has been reinforced and existing materials have been reintroduced to minimise and processed to create an even surface for all users.
Harvesting rainwater in the newly formed soft landscaped areas will help reduce flooding and increases the sustainability of the project, with the paving works on Albion Street nearing completion.
In addition to the planting of trees and low-lying planting, areas of seating have been created so residents and visitors can enjoy a bite to eat or just a natter.
Automated bollards have been installed at Henshaw Street, to control vehicle entry and preserve/create a safe pedestrian environment with extended pedestrian zone hours being considered.
The main aim of all the work is to make Oldham town centre more accessible and connected, creating an inclusive town centre for all residents and visitors – and helping link Henshaw Street, Albion Street and the proposed Jubilee Park.
The works are part of the wider regeneration work taking place to create a town where more people want to live, work, and raise a family.
The plans include a completely revamped Spindles with a brand-new home for Tommyfield Market, improved shops, a food court and new offices; a restored Old Library with a community space, Council chamber and new home for Oldham Theatre Workshop; Northern Roots – the North’s biggest country park and urban farm – a new food hall in the Egyptian Room; a town centre park; a range of family homes and much more.
Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Leader of Oldham Council, said:
“The scheme has been a great success and I’m very proud of the work the teams have done to turn the area into more of a welcoming walkway.
“These improvements will complement the wider town centre works which are currently underway and when complete, will make the area feel more open and accessible to all.
"These improvements will make it so much easier for people to walk and cycle and get out and about more on foot and bike, reducing reliance on cars.
“The Council is creating more jobs, more homes, and more places for people to enjoy – and we’re working tirelessly, bringing in all the resources we can, to do just that.
The Council’s regeneration plans will deliver 2,000 new homes designed for a range of different budgets and needs, 1,000 new jobs and 100 new apprenticeships.
The scheme will contribute to the borough becoming the greenest in Greater Manchester.
The works on Henshaw Street and Albion Street are expected to be completed in May 2023.
For more information about the regeneration works taking place across Oldham, please visit: www.oldham.gov.uk/regeneration