Start of a town centre resurgence

Spindles and Town Square Shopping Centre - new tenants

The first of five new high-street names in the run-up to Christmas have opened at Oldham’s shopping centre - with more to come in the new year.

Fashion outlet Blue Inc opened at the weekend, while toy shop Conways opens by tomorrow. The arrivals have been hailed as early proof of the mall’s new American owner’s determined attitude.

The developments have been welcomed by Mike Flanagan, Spindles Town Square’s manager: “Kennedy Wilson, the new owner, has been involved for six weeks and this is an example of its determination to bring in quality retailers as quickly as it can.

“Both Blue Inc and Toymaster (the group of which Conways is a member) have been trying to get into Oldham for a while. I’m very pleased about the news. It will lift morale for existing tenants who will also feel the benefit.

“I’m expecting certainly another two or three before Christmas - well-known names.”

Commenting on the new arrivals and town centre trade on Saturday, Oldham Council leader Jim McMahon said: “It’s great to see Oldham town centre jam-packed. Seven new stores will be opening in Spindles by Christmas.”

Kennedy Wilson is a California-based property company which bought Oldham and seven other UK malls for £250 million earlier this year. It also owns Bury’s mall, The Rock.

The company has earmarked several new retailers for Spindles Town Square, as well as the return of a bigger TJ Hughes.