Oldham has seen some positive changes this year - and council and business leaders say there's much more to come in 2025. From reviving the borough's declining high streets to devising a 'local solution' for the housing crisis, developers and the council are making significant promises about what the borough's future holds.
Some of these changes have already begun. This year witnessed the completion of the Egyptian Room - Oldham's very own Mackie Mayor-style food hall situated beneath the Victorian arches of the old town hall.
Council staff relocated to their newly refurbished offices at the council-acquired Spindles shopping centre. The council also initiated its 15-year partnership with 'city developers' Muse, commencing consultations on a plan to construct 2,000 homes in Oldham town centre by developing on brownfield land.
Meanwhile, other projects are nearing their much-awaited completion - from the reopening of the 'jewel in Oldham's crown' to the new location of the Tommyfield Market. These developments will likely significantly alter the appearance and atmosphere of the borough.
has looked at the major projects that will transform Oldham in 2025.
Oldham Coliseum to reopen 'by panto season 2025'
One of the happiest moments for the borough this year was when Oldham Council agreed to contribute £10m to rescue the Coliseum. The cherished theatre on Fairbottom Street closed its doors in April last year after losing its funding from Arts Council England.
The closure of the theatre was a significant setback for the local community, sparking a fierce campaign led by local screenwriter Ian Kershaw and actor Julie Hesmondhalgh. Initially, the council planned to construct a new modern building to house the theatre.
However, campaigners, fearing the loss of the Coliseum's history and its ability to host its annual Christmas panto, demanded the reopening of the Fairbottom Street venue instead. Renovation works have already begun at the Coliseum, with extensive structural changes required, including asbestos removal and the creation of more wheelchair-accessible backstage entrances.
The council has stated that the works are expected to be completed 'in time for Panto season 2025'.
Tommyfield Market latest
In addition, work is nearing completion on a brand new venue attached to the council-owned Spindles shopping centre. This market hall and events space is set to become the new home for market traders from Oldham's beloved but struggling Tommyfield Market.
This development has caused some controversy within the local community, with some traders choosing not to relocate and instead close their businesses. However, the council, which has funded the project, believes it will attract a new clientele to the market, drawing Spindles shoppers to the market stalls.
The venue is set to become a hub for banquets and large-scale corporate events such as award ceremonies and galas, which are currently held at the Queen Elizabeth Hall. However, that venue is slated for demolition under Muse's plans.
Library renovation
Another Oldham venue, the town's Old Library, is undergoing renovation. This grand Victorian building, a symbol of Oldham's prosperous era during the cotton mill boom, is being transformed into a mixed-use cultural centre.
It will house the Theatre Workshop of Oldham, with rehearsal rooms on the ground floor, while also restoring the top floor gallery. The building will serve as the new council chambers and councillor offices once the move from the current Civic Centre is completed.
The renovation has 'lovingly restored' some of the unique Victorian features that were deteriorating when the library closed in 2022. The complex works are expected to be completed by spring next year.
A new 'entrance' at Snipe Inn
The town centre is set to receive a new 'entrance', which councillors believe will offer a 'vibrant' community space and a more 'welcoming' introduction to the high street.
The Snipe Inn was torn down earlier this year to pave the way for a new entrance between Oldham's bus interchange and Market Street. The previous path, a dimly lit alleyway prone to flooding, has been replaced with a wheelchair-accessible space featuring communal seating areas, landscaping features, and a ground mural, marking its new identity as 'Snipe Garden'.
Warehouses at Broadway Green and Hollinwood
Developers are nearing completion on a massive project that could potentially create nearly 2,000 jobs in the borough. Approximately 480,000 square feet of warehouse space has already been completed at Broadway Green, which equates to around 760 jobs when fully occupied.
Chancerygate, the developers, are also working on another industrial complex comprising 18 smaller warehouses, expected to generate around 200 full-time positions. Plans are underway to bring an additional 720 jobs to Hollinwood Junction through more warehousing.
The project also includes the construction of 680 new homes, with 400 already built and an extra 280 planned across both areas. About 300 of these will be available for affordable rent or shared ownership.
Coun Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council, highlighted during the earlier planning meeting that the project has already seen £23m invested in infrastructure works. This includes a new spine road (Lydia Becker Way), improvements to highways and junctions, and a brand new park.
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