The big developments set to transform Oldham in 2025

This year saw the launch of ambitious plans to change the face of Oldham in the future. 

From resurrecting the borough’s dying high streets to finding a ‘local solution’ to the housing crisis, developers and the council are making big promises for the borough’s future.

And some of that change is already underway. 

This year saw the completion of the Egyptian Room – Oldham’s very own Mackie Mayors-style food hall set below the Victorian arches of the old town hall.

Council staff moved into their newly renovated offices at the council-bought Spindles shopping centre. 

And the council launched its 15-year partnership with ‘city developers’ Muse, starting consultations on a plan to bring 2000 homes to Oldham town centre by building on brownfield (previously developed) land. 

Meanwhile, other projects are nearing their much-anticipated completion – from the reopening of the ‘jewel in Oldham’s crown’ to the new home of the Tommyfield Market. 

These developments will likely make a big impact on how the borough looks and feels.

So how is Oldham due to change next year? 

Let’s take a look at the big projects which will change the face of Oldham in 2025.

Oldham Coliseum to reopen ‘by panto season 2025’ 

One of the most joyful moments for the borough this year was when Oldham Council agreed to pitch in £10m to save the Coliseum.

The beloved theatre on Fairbottom Street shut its doors in April last year after losing its funding from Arts Council England.

The closure was a massive blow to the local community – and inspired a ferocious campaign spearheaded by local screenwriter Ian Kershaw and Mr Bates vs the Post Office actor Julie Hesmondhalgh. 

Initially, the council intended to build a modern new building to house the theatre.

But fearing the history of the Coliseum would be lost and the new theatre would not have the facilities to host the Coliseum’s trademark show – its yearly Christmas panto – campaigners demanded the Fairbottom Street venue be reopened instead. 

Renovation works have already started at the Coliseum.

Extensive structural changes need to take place – including the removal of asbestos and creation of more wheelchair accessible backstage entrances. 

The works are due to be completed ‘in time for Panto season 2025’, according to the council. 

New Tommyfield Market venue 

Works are also nearing completion on a brand new venue attached to the council-owned Spindles shopping centre.

The market hall and events space is due to become the new home to market traders situated at Oldham’s beloved – but struggling – Tommyfield Market. 

This development has sparked some controversy within the local community, with some traders deciding not to make the move and instead give up their businesses. 

But the council, who have funded the project, believe it will bring a new clientele to the market, enticing Spindles shoppers to the market stalls.

The venue will also become the new space to hold banquets and large-scale corporate events like awards giving ceremonies and galas.

These are currently held at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, but this is earmarked for demolition under Muse’s plans. 

Old Library Renovation 

Another venue in Oldham is getting a new lease of life, with the town’s Old Library currently under renovation.

The grand Victorian building, which stands as a testament to Oldham’s wealthiest period during the cotton mill boom, is being turned into a mixed-use cultural centre. 

As well as becoming the new home for Oldham’s Theatre Workshop, with rehearsal rooms being installed on the groundfloor, the works will also restore the building’s top floor gallery and become the new council chambers and councillor offices once the move out of the current Civic Centre is completed.

The works have ‘lovingly restored’ some of the unique Victorian features, which were in a state of decline when the library closed in 2022.

The complex works are due to be completed in the Spring next year. 

Snipe Inn entrance 

The town centre is also due a brand new ‘entrance’, which councillors say will provide a ‘vibrant’ new community space and a more ‘welcoming’ start to the high street. 

Snipe Inn, a local pub, was demolished earlier this year to make way for the new entrance between Oldham’s bus interchange and Market Street.

Previously, the path was a ‘dingey alleyway’ at the side of the pub that connected the two areas, which was vulnerable to flooding during heavy rain. 

The new opening will be wheelchair accessible and provide communal seating areas for people to socialise.

There’ll also be landscaping features and a mural set into the ground to mark its new designation as ‘Snipe Garden’. 

Broadway Green and Hollinwood warehouses

And developers are completing the last leg of a huge new project that could bring almost 2,000 jobs to the borough.

Around 480,000 square feet of warehouses have already been finished at Broadway Green – equivalent to around 760 jobs once fully occupied.

And developers Chancerygate are currently working on another industrial complex with 18 smaller warehouses – and around 200 full-time positions.

Plans are also progressing to bring 720 jobs to Hollinwood Junction with more warehousing. 

The plans also include 680 new homes, with 400 already built and an additional 280 in the pipeline across both areas.

Around 300 will be affordable rent or shared ownership.

The project has also already come with £23m of infrastructure works, including a new spine road (Lydia Becker Way), highways and junction improvements and a brand new park.

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