Oldham to self-deliver Spindles redevelopment
Having bought the shopping centre for £9.5m last year, the council has confirmed that it will not appoint a delivery partner to bring the scheme forward.
“Oldham Council engaged with the developer and construction market earlier this year around delivery strategies. We have decided to deliver the Spindles redevelopment ourselves,” Oldham Council told Place North West.
The authority clarified that it was “looking to procure a development partner” for the wider regeneration of Oldham town centre, focusing on the sites vacated by the council as part of the authority’s move into Spindles. This process will begin next year, the council said.
In a statement to Place North West, Oldham Council said a planning application for the Spindles project would be lodged before the end of the year.
Subject to planning approval, the first phase of the scheme could commence in early 2022.
This would entail the demolition of TJ Hughes and the repurposing of the existing civic centre into homes.
Designs for what the upper-level office space area could look like at Spindles. Credit: AEW Architects
The main refurbishment of Spindles, which includes converting retail units on the upper floor of the shopping centre into workspace, will commence in June 2022 and last for around 18 months.
Another element of the project will see Tommyfield Market relocated to a modern, new-build venue.
The new Tommyfield Market, which would feature a food court, would extend from Town Square through the old TJ Hughes space and into Parliament Square.
Aew Architects is leading on the design of the project, expected to complete by the end of 2023.
Cllr Arooj Shah, Oldham Council Leader, said: “We’ve explored a number of delivery options to find the best fit for Oldham and are pleased to be nearing the next major milestones in the redevelopment of Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre and Oldham town centre.
“There’s a massive opportunity in Oldham to create a thriving town with homes, business, leisure and culture at its heart.
“We look forward to seeing our plans start to take shape and working with people who share our vision and ambition.”
The market in Parliament Square is a good idea. I am not sure why the Brian Clarke stained glass roof in Spindles is not sold as a tourist attraction.
By Elephant
Brilliant to see things progressing!
By Maxwell
The homes that will be provided in the civic centre will they be affordable homes and when I mean affordable same rents as the first choice homes
By C shyne
Just had to get this in ..I was little miss spindles
I open spindles in oldham with the mayor
By Anita gates
so basically the current council is saying GO SHOP SOMEWHERE ELSE At one time one of the best market towns in the country as now become a town centre of flats, houses, and takeaways. Look at Bury, Ashton and Rochdale at least there Councils try to promote growth in there coffers NOT there POCKETS. LOVE LANCASHIRE
By g jones
I’ve lost count of all the different Oldham council leaders over recent years. All of them have had their ‘ vision for Oldham ‘. Their grandiose plans all share one commonality – nothing actually happens. Then, a new leader appears, they announce their vision, and again nothing happens.
By Ian Frost
Oldham has become a low income town and generally poor. Redeveloping spindles wont suddenly give people money to spend there.
By Shaw Gawbie