Member Article

£1m investment boosts Oldham town centre retail

Five new and existing businesses are the first to benefit from Oldham Council’s £1 million investment to improve the town centre’s independent retail offer.

The shops – two of which are relocating from other premises in the town centre – will help to attract footfall onto Yorkshire Street and complement the existing stores and businesses.

Among the new businesses ‘setting up shop’ are Scoots, Suits and Boots at 72 Yorkshire Street.

This is run by Royton couple Jo and Mick Harwood have been selling retro and Mod clothing online for the last four years.

Thanks to a growing client base they have now decided to take the plunge and open a shop selling brands such as Dr Martens, Ben Sherman and Gabicci Vintage.

Jo said: “We can’t wait to open up, we’ve currently got members of the local scooter community offering to help us to do up the shop for free.

“At one time I’d have gone elsewhere to shop but we are really excited about what is going on in Oldham, like the new cinema at the Old Town Hall, so things are really looking up.”

Other new businesses which have thrown open their doors are Illumina Hair Salon at 124 Yorkshire Street and Kashmir Bakery at 102 Yorkshire Street, which opened in December and February, respectively.

Family-run Nursery Goods Direct has relocated, taking a new lease on 135 Yorkshire Street and Musos music shop has moved next door to bigger premise at number 70 Yorkshire Street.

Late last year the local authority committed funds for a new package to support viable local independent businesses and also to create a more attractive and effective linkage between key development sites.

The funds could be used to support the refurbishment of key buildings and the relocation of existing businesses, Building Improvement Grants, assisting independent firms to acquire their own buildings (with potential grant support), plus the undertaking of further research into the demand and supply of business premises in the town centre.

The initial focus will support plans to create a new ‘Independents’ Quarter’ in the triangle between Yorkshire Street, Clegg Street and Union Street East.

Oldham town centre is already undergoing major regeneration as part of wide-ranging plans to transform what it offers to business, residents and visitors.

These proposals are part of a strategic approach to tackle areas of current low demand in traditional High Street areas.

Councillor Shoab Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Business and Town Centres, said: “First of all I’d like to welcome the new businesses and also to thank those that have shown their support for the town centre and relocated as I know things have been tough for traders over the last few years.

“We already have a series of major regeneration projects getting underway that will enhance our entertainment, cultural and leisure offer and we believe Oldham town centre can become the strongest in north Manchester. To help us realise that vision we want to attract new independent businesses and breathe new life into empty units.

“Our package provides business support and property management arrangements so we can look at the needs of businesses and help them access all relevant help including grants, training and mentoring. “Building Improvement Grants are also on offer to help to improve the exterior of key buildings and shop fronts in line with our aspirations for the area and alongside the improvements we’re already making to the public realm.

Paul Hughes, owner of Zutti Co, who is also a board member of the Town Centre Business Partnership, said: “We are delighted with what the council are doing to bring new life into Yorkshire Street and welcome the new traders with open arms as more shops will benefit everyone.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Graham Vincent .