POTENTIAL specialist contractors are being invited to a special event on Thursday informing them about the £20 million Accessible Oldham scheme to be undertaken in and around the town centre.

The Accessible Oldham programme of works incorporates high quality urban infrastructure improvements, natural paving and landscaping works, designed to improve access to both pedestrian and more sustainable, efficient modes of transportation.

The chosen contractor will provide refurbishment to key strategic routes accessing the town centre. The programme also includes improvements to roads, cycle and pedestrian links, junction improvements, town centre enhancements, upgraded signing and extended parking opportunities.

These measures will improve access to key development sites.

Oldham Council intends to enter into a collaborative partnering arrangement with a single contractor to deliver the programme of works, which is comprised of multiple projects of varying size and complexity carried out over a four-year construction programme, all subject to successful funding bids.

The anticipated value of the Accessible Oldham scheme is in the region of £20 million.

The current proposed projects to be delivered are as follows:

• West Street/Cheapside/Snipe

• Taxi rank relocation

• High Street/Lord Street/Rock Street

• Market Hall

• Market Place

The supplier event will give potential contractors the opportunity to meet the project team to find out more about the scheme itself.

Attendees will also be able to find out more about the council’s tendering process and the anticipated timetable leading to award to the successful contractor.

More details of the contract are available on the North West’s procurement portal – The Chest.

Leader of the council and cabinet member for economy and enterprise, Cllr Sean Fielding, said:

“We’re excited to start our search for a contractor to deliver our plans to create a more accessible Oldham for everyone.

“This exclusive event will give contractors the chance to find out more about the plans for Oldham and ask any questions regarding the works.

“The accessible Oldham Scheme is part of our wider plants to improve the town centre. We want Oldham town centre to be a nice place to visit, whether you’re travelling by bicycle, Metrolink, bus, car or on foot.

“We have a real ambition for the town centre and we’re also currently working hard to develop our wider cultural offer across Oldham.

“Work is set to start on a new heritage and arts centre, named OMA, in the New Year. The new arts centre located in the Old Library Building on Union Street marks another positive step in the regeneration of our town centre and our plans to make Oldham a destination for culture, arts, history and entertainment.”

The event takes place in the Crompton Suite, Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council, Rochdale road reception on Thursday (October 17) from 1pm to 4pm.