The redevelopment of Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre takes a huge step forward this week as contractors begin major works.
They include stripping out the former TJ Hughes unit – ahead of the store’s demolition to make way for a brand new Tommyfield Market and events space.
A section of hoardings have been installed at the top of Parliament Square and these will extend as work progresses. Pedestrian access will be provided at all times through Parliament Square and to all nearby businesses.
A section of Town Square, which has already been closed to the public for some time, will also be screened off to enable the works to proceed inside the shopping centre. Access to the Town Square car park will remain in place and businesses will continue to operate as normal.
Cllr Amanda Chadderton, Oldham Council Leader, said: “We’ve been getting on with the preparatory works for a number of weeks – but now the transformation really begins.
“This is an exciting milestone in the project and you will soon start to see lots of changes taking place as we reshape the building for the future.
“The centre remains open as normal throughout the redevelopment, and we will keep disruption to a minimum.
“When complete you will be able to enjoy a much-improved venue which will include the new market and food hall, new events space, a co-working space and heritage archive.
“We’re working hard to attract new businesses and improve your visitor experience by consolidating the retail area to make it easier to shop and get around.
“We’re also improving the facilities, which includes putting in a Changing Places toilet, containing adult-sized changing benches, curtains, hoists and space for carers to help people with disabilities. Accessibility will also be made better throughout the centre – something you told us was really important during the Big Oldham Conversation consultation.”
In addition to the works taking place inside Town Square and on Parliament Square, the council is also be continuing works to support the development of the new offices and co-working space on the upper mall of Spindles.
To allow new windows to be installed in the workspaces and other major changes required to redevelop the building, a site will need to be set up on George Square in mid-August. Alternative pedestrian access will be put in place in this area.
More updates will be provided in due course and throughout the redevelopment which is scheduled to complete in 2024.
