Published: Friday, 01st March 2024
Local businesses came together with Council Leader Arooj Shah earlier today for the official opening of Oldham Council's new offices in the Spindles.
More than 1000 staff will be working on the upper level of the shopping centre - and businesses are already welcoming the redevelopment.
Danielle Printer, manager at Waterstones, said: “As a part of the centre’s redevelopment, our bookshop’s relocation to the ground floor of Spindles has been a real success, resulting in an increase in footfall and sales.
"The support from the centre management has been outstanding. Many of our customers are Council employees who have been loyal to our bookshop for many years, and it will be great to be in the same building.
"We are looking forward to welcoming them and appreciate their continuous support.”
Maggie Hughes, owner of Zutti Co and Vice Chair of Oldham Town Deal Board, said: “We’ve been here 43 years and served generations growing up here in Oldham.
“This is an exciting new chapter. I finally feel like we’re getting somewhere, that footfall will be better for the traders, and that we’ll start getting people back into the town.”
Lauren Hughes, manager at The Entertainer, added: “It’s fantastic to see the council’s new offices open. We hope the redevelopment encourages more people to visit our store, as well as the improved retail, leisure, and entertainment facilities on offer.”
The move is part of Oldham Council's transformation of the town centre, with up to 2,000 new homes, a new park, and the revamp of the Spindles itself with a new market, events space, and archive centre.
Moving staff out of the Civic Centre into the Spindles will not only provide a welcome boost for traders but will also free up the Civic Centre for redevelopment.
Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “Opening our new offices is a significant step to bringing more footfall directly to the town centre, and we’re thrilled about the positive impact it will have.
“The move also means the Civic Centre can make way for new housing, as part of our plans to create 2,000 much-needed homes across Oldham town centre.
"The transformation of our town centre is no longer just a proposal - it's fast becoming a reality, and I'm so pleased to see the benefits already being realised for our local businesses."
Councillor Fida Hussain, Cabinet Member for Business, Employment and Enterprise added: "The opening of the new office space shows Oldham Council's dedication to helping local businesses.
“We believe this move will not only help our residents but also make our local economy stronger. I’m certainly looking forward to the future of the town.”