Deli-cious offering in the square

Newly-opened Parliament Square Cafe and Deli. Left to right, Shanay Pilgrim, owner Ross McGivern, Oldham Council leader Jean Stretton.

THE latest tenant to move into Oldham town centre's new public space at Parliament Square opened its doors this week.

"The Parliament Sq" is a stylish new delicatessen and café with ambitious plans to complement the changing nature of the local economy and fill a niche in the market.

Local businessman Ross McGivern opened his premises at the former Santander bank at 30-34 High Street.

He is investing a significant amount of his own money to breathe new life into the building that's been vacant for three years.

The deli offers made-to-order sandwiches, pies and deli-meats. Customers can also dine in to enjoy hot and cold drinks, Italian-style light bites and home-made food from a vibrant menu.

Package

His venture is the latest attracted by the recent opening of the old town hall as an Odeon cinema and restaurant complex ­- and it is ideally situated on the opposite corner of the entrance to the new Parliament Square.

The Parliament Sq has benefited from Oldham Council's comprehensive £1 million package of independent quarter support to help existing or start-up businesses with a building improvement grant plus property and business advice.

Get Oldham Working has also assisted with recruitment with up to 18 new staff initially expected to be employed.

Ross has been in the hospitality trade for more than 16 years. He also owns the Green Room Cafe on Albion Street in Oldham and has been a partner in a successful Italian restaurant for five years.

He said: "This is a really exciting time to be opening a new business in Oldham and it's great to be welcoming people through our doors.

"Regeneration and Metrolink are bringing more people into Oldham town centre at different times of the day and there is a real gap in the market for a deli cafe like this.

"Our business model means we're open from 7.30 in the morning to 7 at night. That's so we can cater for a changing range of needs from light breakfast, sandwiches and coffee in the mornings through to light lunches and drinks before afternoon matinee, plus specials and goods for people going to the cinema later, leaving work or making their way home after shopping.

"I'm really passionate about making this succeed and I will be a very 'hands on' owner because I believe great service is what ultimately builds a loyal customer base.

"Oldham Council has been a fantastic help in making this happen and it's brilliant to be one of many businesses at the heart of the exciting things happening in Oldham."

Oldham Council leader Jean Stretton visited The Parliament Sq to perform an informal opening ceremony with Ross and his new staff.

She said: "Our town centre is changing for the better and a key part of that is brilliant people like Ross who are buying into that vision and investing their savings and hard graft into making exciting new ventures like this get off the ground.

"As a council we are doing our bit by assisting independent traders to get the help and support they need to get started.

"Traders and ourselves are then relying on residents to play their part by coming along to enjoy what is on offer."