Metropolitan House fits bill for fresh regeneration bid

Metropolitan Place: regeneration plans

PLANS are in place to breathe new life into a neglected part of Oldham town centre.

Oldham Council’s Cabinet has approved the purchase of Metropolitan House in Hobson Street, which will help to revitalise an area currently home mainly to offices.

The building - 17,517sq ft of office space over five storeys - is next to the now-closed, council-owned Hobson Street car park, which is likely to be demolished due to structural problems.

Oldham Council leader Jim McMahon said: “We’re in the process of evaluating our options for the Hobson Street area and these two sites are of strategic importance.

“This building is handily located just off Union Street and close to the Oldham Central Metrolink stop. It could be promoted in a way that can see it prosper as an office rental site.

“The council and other partners are reviewing our future accommodation needs and this building could be an important part of the solution to these requirements.

“We acknowledge the need for additional car parking for the town centre as regeneration continues and new attractions start to bring in more visitors. We’re looking at options on how and where we might be able to do that.”