Member Article

Business zone regeneration plan for Oldham's Eastern Gateway

Oldham Council is set to discuss proposals for the further regeneration of the Mumps/Eastern Gateway Area of the town centre into a commercial and business zone.

A report, which goes before cabinet next week, outlines how the council aims to redevelop this important route into the Borough and create new retail office, housing and possible 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.

Architects BDP have been commissioned by the 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 compliment 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.

The scheme will also attract both inward and external investment and help to meet the needs of existing and new businesses by providing a range of high quality employment space.

It is expected that job opportunities will be generated by these new commercial developments, many of them accessible to residents from within the Borough.

Councillor 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.”

Councillor Shoab Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Business and Town Centres, added: “These proposals for the Mumps/Eastern Gateway Area fit seamlessly into our plans for the Yorkshire Street triangle and will help to strengthen the identity and distinctiveness of the Town Centre in a range of ways by supporting existing and new businesses in the area, whilst also enhancing the local environment and boosting visitor numbers and footfall.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .