The ‘vibrant’ new green space that could transform Oldham town centre

An image of the Linear Park layout. Taken from planning documents

A former car park could soon become the first part of Oldham’s new town centre green space.

The council has submitted a planning application to transform the site on the corner of Rock Street and Lord Street into the new ‘Linear Park’. 

If approved, the site neighbouring Oldham Parish Church and Tommyfield Market hall would be turned into a ‘vibrant public green space’.

The park would feature gravel paths circulating a large central lawn, a children’s play area and two recreational areas with picnic benches. 

But the green is just the beginning of a much larger project planned for Oldham town centre.

It would ultimately become part of Oldham’s new ‘Jubilee Park’, due to span the length of the town and encompass sites like the current Tommyfield Market hall.

Traders are due to vacate the premises this summer, with a demolition order already approved for the building. 

A representative for Oldham Council wrote: “The Proposed Development will form part of Jubilee Park which will act as a major regeneration scheme and as such a catalyst for economic growth within the town centre.

"Jubilee Park will also provide the town with a vibrant public open green space that the community can enjoy, allowing for prosperous environmental and social benefits.” 

The existing trees and plantlife that have flourished on the site since the Oldham Leisure Centre was demolished in 2016 would be preserved and almost 60 additional trees would be planted.

New bird and bat boxes would be added to trees on the site to encourage more wildlife. 

According to a planning statement, the park would provide a thoroughfare for pedestrians, encouraging greener transport options, and make the town centre a more attractive place to live as the council prepares its ‘Creating a Better Place’ plan.

The scheme is aiming to bring 2,000 new homes into the town centre, along with £285 million in investment, 1,000 new jobs and 100 apprenticeships.

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