Oldham’s regeneration plans becoming reality in 2025

The ‘Building a Better Oldham’ initiative is transforming the borough through a bold and ambitious regeneration programme, writes Emma Barton of Oldham Council.

Focused on strengthening the town centre, the scheme is delivering major projects that will enhance Oldham’s economy, cultural scene, and public spaces. The initiative has unlocked public sector investment worth £285m, to create more than 2,000 new homes in Oldham town centre, 1,000 new jobs, and 100 apprenticeship opportunities.

2025 is set to be a landmark year for Oldham. Key developments – including the transformation of Spindles, continued work towards 2,000 new homes in the town centre, the restoration of the Oldham Coliseum, and a brand new event space and indoor market – will all become a reality. These projects will breathe new life into Oldham, creating vibrant spaces for businesses, communities, and visitors, ensuring the town’s long-term growth and prosperity.

Significant progress has been made in delivering high-quality new homes in Oldham town centre, in partnership with Muse. Over the past 12 months, a Development Framework has been put in place to guide the creation of new housing, ensuring a well-planned and sustainable approach.

Enabling works are now taking place on the former leisure centre site, paving the way for future construction. At the same time, work is progressing on several planning application submissions, with the goal of breaking ground on the first site in late 2025. A community conversation will take place in spring on these sites. These homes and new spaces for the community will play a vital role in Oldham’s growth, providing a range of modern and sustainable living, working, and social spaces that will support the town’s long-term revitalisation.

Alongside this work, the transformation of Spindles shopping centre is well underway. Once a traditional retail hub, Spindles is being reimagined into a dynamic space that blends shopping, business, and community activity. A major milestone in this project is the opening of the new market and event space, designed to support local traders while attracting visitors with a diverse retail and cultural offering.

By repurposing the existing structure rather than building anew, Oldham Council is ensuring a sustainable, cost-effective approach to regeneration. The new market will provide modern facilities for independent businesses, while the event space will host cultural and community activities, boosting footfall and economic growth. This transformation will create more than 800 full-time jobs, as well as positioning it as a vibrant destination where people can shop, socialise, and experience the town’s evolving identity.

The restoration plans also include Oldham Coliseum, marking a significant step in preserving the town’s rich cultural heritage. As a beloved institution with a long history of theatre and performance, the Coliseum’s revival ensures that Oldham remains a thriving centre for the arts. The regeneration plans focus on creating a modern, accessible venue that honours its legacy while meeting the needs of future generations.

This redevelopment secures the long-term future of theatre in Oldham by providing a state-of-the-art space for performances, workshops, and community engagement. Local artists, performers, and creative organisations are at the heart of this transformation, helping to shape a venue that reflects Oldham’s vibrant artistic spirit. By investing in the Coliseum’s future, the council is not only safeguarding an important cultural landmark but also reinforcing Oldham’s reputation as a destination for arts, ensuring that live performance continues to thrive in the borough.

The completion and opening of The Egyptian Room food hall and The Hive business hub marks a new era for Oldham.

Credit: Oldham Council

Located in the heart of the town, The Egyptian Room, a beautifully restored historic space, is already thriving and has received praise since its opening in November 2024.

Meanwhile, The Hive serves as a collaborative hub, fostering networking, skills development, and business growth.

Credit: Oldham Council

The Egyptian Room and The Hive are key to shaping Oldham’s future as a vibrant, enterprising town. These spaces are helping to nurture local talent, create jobs, and attract investment.

By repurposing and revitalising existing buildings in this way, Oldham Council is ensuring long-term economic resilience, giving small businesses and creatives the support they need to succeed.

2025 is set to be big for Oldham, as years of regeneration work comes to life through these projects. As the borough continues to evolve, this year will mark the beginning of a brighter, more prosperous future… so watch this space, Oldham’s time is now.

• Emma Barton is executive director for place and economic growth at Oldham Council