OLDHAM Council is gearing up to self-deliver the redevelopment of Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre after forgoing a delivery partner.

The council, which bought Spindles last year for £9.5m, is however planning to use a development partner for the wider regeneration of Oldham town centre.

A spokesperson from the council said: “Oldham Council engaged with the developer and construction market earlier this year around delivery strategies. We have decided to deliver the Spindles redevelopment ourselves – rather than via a delivery development partner.

"However, as the project is a catalyst for the wider regeneration of Oldham town centre, we are looking to procure a development partner for this instead. The process for which, will be launched by the end of the year and will focus on the sites which are vacated by the council as part of the move into the redeveloped Spindles."

The Spindles scheme is part of the council's ‘Creating a Better Place’ strategy which was established in January 2020 and adapted in August 2020 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The project aims to create more than 2,000 new homes, 1,000 new jobs and 100 apprenticeships in the town.

Subject to planning approval, the first phase of the scheme could commence in early 2022 and last for around 18 months.

The redevelopment is set to include a new Tommyfield Market, events space, a flexible workspace, an arts and heritage archive centre and improved shopping facilities.

Both the workspace plan, and the relocation of Tommyfield Market, are being supported by £24.5m of cash from the government’s Towns Fund.

Cllr Arooj Shah, Oldham Council leader, said: “We’ve explored a number of delivery options to find the best fit for Oldham and are pleased to be nearing the next major milestones in the redevelopment of Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre and Oldham town centre.

“There’s a massive opportunity in Oldham to create a thriving town with homes, business, leisure and culture at its heart.

“We look forward to seeing our plans start to take shape and working with people who share our vision and ambition.”

An online consultation is currently open with feedback submitted on the Spindles project set to shape the council’s initial planning application to redevelop the centre, which will be lodged in December this year.