As 2024 draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on the achievements, milestones and moments that have brought us together as a borough this year.
While not every moment has been easy, the council has always strived to serve our community to the best of its ability. With a new government in place, we’re looking forward to fresh opportunities. Despite the challenges Oldham has faced in the past, our ambitions remain strong, and we’re eager to share our big plans for the borough with all of you.
It’s been a big year for regeneration. We’ve seen several key projects completed, transforming spaces and bringing new life to the borough. Our staff have now moved into Spindles offices, we’ve opened our new co-working space The Hive to the public and unveiled the stunning Egyptian Room Food Hall at the Old Town Hall, which has opened to rave reviews.
Royton Town Hall also re-opened its doors after a complete restoration, welcoming the community back with a new library, a fresh community space and a beautiful garden area. This restoration uncovered a hidden treasure, a rare Lincrusta Walton wall covering, thought to be one of the oldest surviving examples. It’s a remarkable piece of history, now proudly displayed for all to see. Talk about a blast from the past!
Additionally, Oldham Council’s partnership with Muse has taken a major step forward with the approval of the Oldham Town Living Development Framework. This sets the stage for up to 2,000 new homes in the town centre, including enabling works starting on the former Sports Centre site and plans for Prince’s Gate. These projects aim to create a vibrant town centre where people want to live, work and visit.
The much-loved Oldham Coliseum Theatre is a step closer to reopening, with Tilbury Douglas appointed to lead the refurbishment. After preparatory works by Oldham based D Hughes Demolition, the theatre will be back in time for Panto 2025. Ohhh yes it is! This investment ensures the Coliseum remains a cornerstone of our cultural heritage and we can’t wait to welcome you all back to this iconic venue.
We’ve had some incredible free events light up the town centre this year, from Illuminate in February and Festival Oldham in June, to the brilliant Christmas Lights Switch-On, which saw 15,000 people come together for festive fun. Events like these, remind us of the importance of community spirit and joining together to celebrate the magic of our borough.
We also celebrated the 175th anniversary of the founding of the borough of Oldham with a free exhibition at Gallery Oldham, showcasing 175 years of history through artefacts and stories. A commemorative video highlighted Oldham's proud past and exciting future. Take a look here.
Work has started on 15 new homes at Foundry Street, providing young people leaving the care system a stepping stone to independent living. This project, in partnership with Jigsaw Homes, reflects our commitment to delivering housing that meets the needs of each and every Oldhamer.
We’ve also taken steps to remember those buried in unmarked graves, placing permanent memorials across our seven cemeteries. This gives families and loved ones a place to reflect and honour the past.
We’re very proud to say that our children’s services have undergone a remarkable transformation in 2024, achieving a ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted. This highlights our commitment to giving young people the best start in life. It’s the fastest improvement of any local authority nationwide and this recognition reflects the tireless work of our children’s services teams, who make a real difference every day.
In leadership news, the brilliant Shelley Kipling has stepped up as Acting Chief Executive while Harry Catherall temporarily supports Tameside Council. Shelley’s knowledge, passion, and strategic focus will ensure Oldham continues to deliver for residents into 2025.
There is so much more to come in 2025. Work is well underway to transform Spindles as part of our ambitious plans to improve Oldham town centre, including the completion of a new events space above the new Tommyfield Market. This flexible venue, with a 500-person capacity, will improve Oldham’s cultural and entertainment options. The revamped Tommyfield Market will also thrive in its new location within Spindles, offering increased footfall, better visibility and a two-level space for retail, food and fresh produce.
Oldham’s old library is also progressing well and is set to reopen to the public in 2025. Oldham Theatre Workshop alumni and Doctor Who star Millie Gibson recently returned to see the transformation of the Old Library, where Oldham Theatre Workshop will be based in its own purpose-built space. We’re so excited to see all the incredible productions Oldham Theatre Workshop will dream up in their new home, inspiring young performers to believe they can achieve anything.
We’ll also see the return of Illuminate, our Festival of Light, on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd February 2025, back for its seventh year. Save the date as it’s going to be another incredible weekend of light and laughter.
I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your contributions to making Oldham such a wonderful place to live and work. From supporting the opening of The Egyptian Room Food Hall, to attending events like Illuminate, Nostalgic Oldham and the Christmas Light Switch On, your enthusiasm and participation have truly made this year special.
I’m excited for what the future holds, and I know that together, we can create an even better, more inclusive future for Oldham.
Wishing you all a happy and healthy New Year. Here’s to an exciting 2025!
Councillor Arooj Shah
Leader of Oldham Council