Oldham traders 'positive' after glimpse of new market space

Members of the Tommyfield Traders' Association were given a tour and an update on the new market and events space with Oldham Council as the market prepares to reopen in spring next year.

The visit marked the 'topping out' of the market, celebrating the competition of the steel frame and concrete work at the roof level.

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Contractors Wilmott Dixon showed the work that has been carried out so far and gave traders the chance to explore the space that they will call their new home next year.

Rick Whitworth, of Meat in the Middle Butchers, said the site is 'impressive' (Image: Oldham Council)

Reacting to the new space, Rick Whitworth, owner of Meat in the Middle Butchers, said: "The visit to the site has been well impressive.

"It's come a long, long way, since the last time we came.

"I'm more excited than normal and I can't wait for next year now." 

Ryan Aslam, owner of Kandy Kingdom, added:  "It's very exciting to see how it's come along, compared to the last time we visited.

"It's a bit of a challenging time, but we're hoping to meet this challenge with positivity." 

The next stage of the construction will see work on the outer front face of the building and the start of the fit-out in the Market Hall, which traders will have a vital part in designing.

The Tommyfield Traders' Association enjoyed a tour of the new space (Image: Oldham Council)

Chris Baker, Senior Operations Manager at Willmott Dixon, added: “We’re proud to be delivering such a landmark and important project for the people of Oldham that really is creating opportunities and supporting local businesses.

“As progress continues, we’re proud to say that, to date alongside Oldham Council, we’ve created 17 jobs, delivered more than 140 weeks of apprenticeships, and supported five Oldham College T-Level placements.

“We continue to work with local organisations to deliver employment opportunities, having invested £23.5m of our project spend so far with businesses based within 20 miles of the project as well as investing £180k with social enterprises.”

It comes after a mixed response to the recent results of an application process that many stall holders have spent several months preparing for.

The process saw stall holders across Tommyfield having to re-apply to secure their position in the new centre. 

In addition to the new home for Tommyfield Market, the Spindles redevelopment is underway, which includes a new events space, new archives, officers for 1,000 Oldham Council staff and a co-working space for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Access Oldham will also be moving into Spindles, providing a more central location for residents to access vital services such as council tax, housing benefits and financial services.

Traders said they 'can't wait' for it to be open next year (Image: Oldham Council)

Opposite the new market will also be the revamped Egyptian Room, with a street food-style food court.

Leader of Oldham Council, Cllr Arooj Shah, said: "The topping out of the new market and events space is a huge step forward for our dedicated market traders, and our ambitious town centre regeneration plans.

“This new market and event space will not only enhance the shopping experience in Oldham but will breath fresh energy into the town centre.

“We’ll be working with the market traders in the coming months and year to make sure they have a smooth transition into the new space.”

If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.