Oldham Cabinet to discuss development opportunities
Proposals for the regeneration of the Mumps and Eastern Gateway areas of Oldham through the creation of a commercial and business zone are to be discussed next week.
A report for approval at a meeting of the Oldham Council Cabinet on Monday 2 December outlines new retail, office, housing and leisure opportunities.
The proposed scheme is spread over a number of sites covering the Eastern Gateway and the Alexandra Retail Park investment zones.
It could involve the reuse of existing buildings and development of vacant land.
The site also takes in new opportunities which will be offered by the new Mumps Metrolink stop, which is due to open next year.
Architect BDP has been commissioned by Oldham Council to identify potential development opportunities, including a masterplan for the area.
The overall plan includes new residential and business areas, while at the same time making the best use of existing buildings and vacant land.
The plans will also complement the Yorkshire Street Triangle Business Support Initiative, which aims to develop a quality independent shopping zone, and other town centre schemes, including the proposed new Coliseum and Heritage Centre.
Cllr Jim McMahon, leader of Oldham Council, said: "These proposals form part of our plans to transform Oldham Town Centre into a place people want to work, visit, live and do business in.
"We already have a series of major regeneration projects underway that will dramatically enhance our entertainment, cultural and leisure offer and these proposals will help improve our business, commercial and residential offer.
"The regeneration of the Mumps/Eastern Gateway area of the Borough is already experiencing major regeneration work and this masterplan will see it become a major economic force.
"By creating employment opportunities we will also be further strengthening our pledge to Get Oldham Working by creating 2,015 work related opportunities by 2015.
"We believe Oldham Town Centre can become the strongest in north Manchester and we want to realise that vision."
