Over 2000 responses to Spindles consultation

Oldham Council purchased Spindles Town Sqaure last October

More than 2,000 people have taken part in a consultation to help shape the redevelopment of Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre and Tommyfield Market.

The council purchased the landmark building last October at a cost of £9.5million.  In February, they launched a consultation process with residents on the future of the site.

The council also engaged separately with Tommyfield Market traders to seek their views on how they want their future market to operate when it relocates into the shopping centre.

As part of the project, the council carried out preliminary market engagement to connect with potential development partners.  As a result, there is now an agreed a procurement and delivery strategy for the project.

Cllr Sean Fielding, Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said: “It’s been a fantastic few weeks with our vision to transform Spindles edging closer to reality.

“We had an overwhelming response to our initial consultations and it’s great to see residents, market traders and the development community are just as enthusiastic about this as we are.

“This is just the first stage in involving you in our proposals. This is ‘the people’s Spindles’ and you will continue to be at the heart it now and in the future.”

The council say they are now looking at which ideas they can take forward in the immediate future – and be part of the longer-term redevelopment.  

Some requests have already been put in place, such as accessible toilet signage, with plans for further improvements including extra parking payment machines to reduce queues and refurbishing toilet and baby changing facilities.

The consultation update comes as Town Square celebrates its 40th anniversary and shops and businesses across the borough prepare to re-open following the lifting of lockdown restrictions on 12th April.

Cllr Fielding added: “The past year has been incredibly difficult and sadly the high street has suffered a great deal as a result.

“We need a town centre that offers much more than just shopping. The consultation has illustrated that there’s a real appetite for new food and drink businesses and an increased leisure and culture offer including activities for families and young people. Lots of people also said they want to see more independent businesses and more things to do at night.

“We look forward to working up your ideas and sharing more news and engagement opportunities as soon as we can.

“In the meantime, shop local and back your local high street businesses and market traders as they re-open – they really need all our support to help them get back on their feet.”

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