Gate to the future opens

GET digging ... Oldham Council Leader Councillor Jean Stretton with Westshield Director Gerard Waldron, left, and Contracts Manager Brian Ashton at what will become the new Park and Ride site at Prince’s Gate

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WORK on Oldham’s “game-changing” regeneration scheme to transform the town centre’s eastern gateway with new shops, homes and jobs is set to begin next month.


Today’s announcement comes 500 days after the Prince’s Gate development at Oldham Mumps was first revealed.

Central is a new retail development, which would provide around 150,000 sq ft of new space in a glazed building — including a 51,000 sq ft Marks and Spencer store.

The first stage will see a replacement park and ride area for Metrolink, ro clear the central area that will become the new shopping centre.

Oldham Council Leader Jean Stretton met contractors Westshield Ltd on the site, on the opposite side of Mumps at land off Regent Street. This will provide 254 spaces - as does the existing site - in a two-storey structure with extra disabled parking spaces.

Councillor Stretton said: “It’s fantastic news that work is beginning soon. Prince’s Gate and the rebirth of the old town hall complex are the most ambitious Oldham projects for decades.

“Prince’s Gate is a very important piece in our town centre regeneration jigsaw and will give the area a huge boost. We hope that with names like M&S and Odeon coming to Oldham, further business will be attracted to the town.”

The scheme also includes plans for up to 800 homes, including apartments, and approximately 700 car parking spaces overall.