Advancement for Accessible Oldham

Municipal ambitions to become Greater Manchester’s greenest town can progress following cabinet sign-off for continued public realm works.

The work around Henshaw Street and Albion Street, intended to to make it easier, safer and more enjoyable to travel around Oldham, started in January earlier this year.

Oldham members received an update on the project last week. Accessible Oldham is being funded by the Government Future High Streets Fund – in which it was allocated more than £10m – the Greater Manchester Mayors Cycle and Walking Fund and Growth Deal 3, with no internal council resources used.

Works so far have included the removal of visually intrusive coverings, reinforcement of the ground and recycling of existing materials. Sustainable drainage has also been incorporated, along with cycle stands and benching.

According to the published minutes of the meeting, the cabinet “gave consideration to commercially sensitive information” regarding the linear park at Tommyfield, with further information restricted.

Oldham’s proposed linear park will tie into the Accessible Oldham project. The wider scheme is part of the Creating a Better Place; programme, which includes the Spindles redevelopment – where council staff have now moved into office space – and plans for Tommyfield Market, along with residential at the former Oldham Mumps station.

Cllr Amanda Chadderton, leader of the council, said: “The Accessible Oldham project is already making a huge difference to the look and feel of our town centre – it feels more modern and already looks more inviting to residents and visitors.

“The works will complement the wider regeneration works including the redevelopment of Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre and the creation of a brand-new park.

“We want Oldham to be the greenest borough in Greater Manchester and our Green New Deal aims to make the council carbon neutral by 2025 and the whole borough by 2030. Accessible Oldham will support us in achieving these important environmental goals.”.

The works on Henshaw Street and Albion Street are expected to complete in March 2023.