Clearance work starts at Oldham Mumps

Demolition will begin in the east of Oldham town centre this week to make way for the Prince’s Gate at Oldham Mumps project, which will be anchored by a 51,000 sq ft Marks & Spencer.

The work is being carried out by Vale Park Demolition following a competitive tender.

The former RSPCA building, Roscoe Mill and the former Oldham Hide, Skin & Fat property, all in Rhodes Bank, will be knocked down in preparation for the redevelopment.

At the centre of Prince’s Gate will be a 51,000 sq ft Marks & Spencer store selling clothing, homeware and food. The glazed development, which will have a natural wave form roof, plus underground car parking spaces, will open in 2018.

A planning application from the Harris Partnership was submitted in May.

Cllr Jim McMahon, leader of Oldham Council, said: “This demolition work is a welcome and important milestone in the redevelopment of the town centre. Once clearance work is completed it will allow us to move forward with our ambitious plans for the area.

“Prince’s Gate at Oldham Mumps is a vital part of our wider regeneration plans that will give the town centre a huge boost. Independent experts have estimated the development could create up to 800 new jobs and it is just one part of a strategic vision to build our local economy, help residents and businesses, and generate new income to support council services.”

The full demolition work is expected to last up to 14 weeks.