Spindles revamp and Tommyfield Market move approved

Oldham Council has granted planning permission for the regeneration project, which will turn the 450,000 sq ft town centre shopping complex into a mixed-use space.

Aew Architects designed the scheme, which includes replacing the TJ Hughes unit with a new 50,000 sq ft home for the Tommyfield Market. When the market relocates, its existing market hall will become a park.

Other key aspects of the plans include building 75,000 sq ft of private office and co-working space on the upper mall level of the revamped Spindles. The approved proposals also feature a 33,000s q ft event space on the upper storeys of the building, complete with a rooftop terrace.

In addition to the moving of Tommyfield Market, the Oldham Local Studies and Archives collection will relocate to the Spindles area, with a 12,000 sq ft purpose-built space. This move will free up the archives’ old home off Union Street to be part of the council’s ambition to improve the town’s cultural quarter.

Regarding the planning approval, Oldham Council Leader Amanda Chadderton said: “These plans will breathe much-needed new life into the town centre.

“We are creating a fantastic mixed-used building which offers something for everyone including shopping, entertainment, food and drink, culture, event space and places to work and grow your business.”

Enabling works had already begun on the Spindles site, with main contractor Willmott Dixon to begin main works in the coming weeks. Once construction starts, Oldham estimates it will take 18 months to complete.

The upper floors are to become offices. Credit: Aew Architects

More regeneration plans are set to be “submitted shortly” according to Chadderton.

She praised the council’s current efforts on improving the town.

“We’re getting on with building new homes including at the former Oldham Mumps Railway Station, and we’re investing in the next generation, with Blue Coat’s new Brian Clarke Academy at the old Sainsbury’s site really taking shape and a new sixth form from Eton College and Star Academies due to open in the town centre in 2025,” she said.

“Oldham will soon be a much better place, one we can all be proud of.”

The Spindles application reference number with Oldham Council is FUL/348415/22. CBRE is the planning consultant.