Scheme to make Oldham town centre more accessible progressing

Work taking place as part of the Accessible Oldham project

A project to boost Oldham’s accessibility which aims to improve streets and roads across the town centre for pedestrians and cyclists is progressing.

The first phase of the Accessible Oldham project has seen building work begin on Henshaw Street and Albion Street, which will see the streets resurfaced as well as new trees planted and seating created to improve roads, footpaths and public areas.

The project is being funded by the Future High Streets Fund allocation from government, and the Greater Manchester Mayor’s cycling and walking fund, and the region’s growth deal.

The town hall’s cabinet has now agreed that senior officers may progress further aspects of work relating to the Accessible Oldham project, and that the council may enter into relevant contracts.

The work planned under this further approval includes highway and pedestrian links similar to work already completed or which are currently in progress.

Chiefs say other phases of Accessible Oldham will create new cycle routes and traffic-free zones across the town centre.

There will be business cases put forward for West Street, Lord Street and Rock Street, as well as Market Place, Curzon Street and Fountain Street.

Bosses are aiming to make Oldham to be the greenest borough in Greater Manchester, with the council carbon neutral by 2025 and the whole borough by 2030.

Accessible Oldham is aimed at reducing people’s reliance on cars to access the town centre, cutting its carbon footprint.

Council leader Amanda Chadderton said: “The latest Accessible Oldham report seeks to address in further detail the next stage of the work programme.

"All of which will make Oldham town centre a more accessible place by improving pedestrian access links and connectivity of the town centre.

“Accessible Oldham is just one strand of our Creating a Better Place programme to regenerate the town centre, build more homes, more Oldhamers, create new jobs, rejuvenate Tommyfield Market and to create a town centre linear park.”

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