Oldham Council secures £3m funding boost for Housing Project

The Oldham Council has successfully secured a substantial £3 million funding from the Government. This financial injection will help realize the council's plan of establishing approximately 2,000 new residences and additional public areas within the town centre.

This grant - the highest allocation to any of Greater Manchester's local authorities- is earmarked to liberate three pivotal sites in the town centre, where an array of sustainable housing options will be constructed. The Civic Centre and Queen Elizabeth Hall site will receive £1,390,035, the former Leisure Centre site £1,390,409, and the former Magistrates Court £370,782.

The allocated funds will go into site preparation, land remediation and preliminary groundwork.

These funds originate from the Brownfield Land Release Fund, part of the One Public Estate (OPE) Programme. This £180 million initiative, executed over three years, aims to support councils across England in liberating council-owned land to create new residences.

Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: "This is fantastic news and goes to show that the Government has faith in our plans for our all-new town centre.

"The money will be vital to help free up the land at these sites for new homes right in the heart of Oldham - alongside a new park, cleaner and greener public spaces, and new developments such as the new theatre, new market and new-look Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre.

"We want to create a better town centre, not just to benefit the people who live here now, but for future generations – creating new communities, leisure opportunities and affordable housing for families.

"Our ambitious plans will see around 2,000 new homes built, and I'm delighted to be working with our partners Muse, led by Oldhamer Phil Mayall, on delivering them.

"These new homes will bring more people into the town, supporting local businesses and providing more opportunities for people to shop, eat, drink and spend their free time.

"I'm excited to move the plans forward - and soon, residents will start to see shovels in the ground."

Substantial progress has already been made, including the renovation of the Spindles Shopping Centre, which will include offices for both council staff and businesses, a new home for Tommyfield Market and events space, a new theatre and public space and a restored Old Library with cultural, civic and community spaces.

*For more information about the ongoing transformation of the town, visit www.oldham.gov.uk/regen