Oldham invites developer interest in Spindles

Following its acquisition of the 450,000 sq ft shopping centre last year, the council is starting to talk to prospective delivery partners to map out redevelopment options for the site. 

Oldham Council purchased Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre in October to “kickstart” the town’s planned £306m regeneration, according to council leader Sean Fielding. 

The acquisition of Spindles, from investor Kennedy Wilson, is part of the council’s move to unlock brownfield sites to bring forward up to 2,500 homes and employment space under a 10-year strategy called Creating a Better Place.

The local authority has launched a ‘soft market testing’ exercise, giving prospective developer partners the chance to outline how they would approach delivering the project. 

A key element of the project will be the relocation of Tommyfield Market, currently located on Henshaw Street, into the shopping centre. 

Office space and a linear park stretching from the existing Tommyfield Market site to the former Sports Centre site also feature in the council’s early-stage proposals. 

The council has requested £41m from the Government to support its town centre vision

Cllr Sean Fielding, leader of Oldham Council, said: “This is an important step in engaging with the development industry and helping us to get a better understanding of how we could take the redevelopment forward.  

“This is an opportunity to demonstrate your interest in being part of a groundbreaking project that will change the face of Oldham and pave the way for a better future for our residents, businesses and visitors.”  

Oldham Council is seeking £41m from the Government to support the regeneration and other projects including Northern Roots, a proposed 160-acre urban farm on holdings including Alexandra Park close to the town centre.