Preparation work has commenced to redevelop Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre in Oldham.

The redevelopment will include the new market with an events space above, co-working space for start-ups and entrepreneurs, and an arts and heritage archive. The project is expected to take around 18 months to complete.

Preparation work is now underway and major works are due to start over the coming weeks.

Hoardings are planned to go up around the former TJ Hughes store in Parliament Square in June with demolition works expected to commence following the Festival Oldham celebrations for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. More details will be provided closer to the time.

Hoardings on the upper mall have already been installed, so we can get ready for the development of new office and co-working space.

-- Advertisement --

Ahead of the major redevelopment works starting, some businesses are relocating to new units, helping Oldham Council to create a thriving 'core' retail offer on the ground floor making it easier and more enjoyable for shoppers to get around.

Cllr Amanda Chadderton, Leader Elect at Oldham Council, said: "We're really happy to be kicking off the centre’s transformation and I’m sure residents will also welcome this news.

"We've got a lot of exciting plans for Spindles which will give the place a new lease of life. Thank you to all the centre’s tenants for being so accommodating of our plans and for their continued commitment to Oldham town centre.

"Spindles and the car park will be open throughout the redevelopment and we’ll do our best to keep disruption to a minimum.

"Tommyfield Market also continues to trade in the existing market hall until it relocates to its new home next year. Please keep on supporting your local market traders and remember, parking at the market hall is free after 3pm weekdays and free for up to three hours at weekends."

A planning application for the centre’s transformation was submitted in March and is due to be decided next month. Approval to demolish TJ Hughes was granted in January.