Plenty of room as new car park opens

New car park on Hobson Street now open.

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MOTORISTS will have no problems finding a parking space, after a new car park opened on Monday.

The new ground-level Hobson Street car park replaces the old multi-storey one, which was demolished last July in a controlled explosion.

The new pay and display car park, which is accessible via Emmott Way and Union Street, will have 98 spaces, plus disabled bays and electric charging points.

Oldham Council leader Jean Stretton said: "Whether you're catching a film at the Old Town Hall or enjoying a meal in one of the many new restaurants that have opened, this new car park will provide even more spaces for those visiting the town centre.

"And don't forget there is up to three hours of free parking on all council-owned town centre car parks at weekends."

The council-owned car park had been closed since December 2014, when an inspection found serious structural damage and the building was declared unsafe for use.

Additional surveys confirmed the car park, built in 1969, would need significant financial investment to repair it and a decision was taken to demolish the 750-space centre.