PLANS have been the go-ahead to knock down the former TJ Hughes shop in Oldham as part of the council's masterplan to revitalise the town centre.

An application was submitted by the council shortly before Christmas to demolish the store, which is now closed and part of Town Square Shopping Centre.

Under the local authority's masterplan to improve the town centre, Tommyfield Market will be moved from its current base to where the TJ Hughes outlet is situated.

A park will be built where the current market stands, under the masterplan.

The new market will look out to Parliament Square and there will be an events venue located above it, if the plans go ahead as proposed.

The Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre will be revamped to make way for "better shops, new space for work and an improved leisure and entertainment offer" as part of the scheme too.

A document with the demolition plans looked to the potential future of the town.

 

The TJ Hughes store

The TJ Hughes store

Proposals showing what a view from Parliament Square showing exterior of the new Tommyfield Market and events space may look like (Picture AEW Architects)

Proposals showing what a view from Parliament Square showing exterior of the new Tommyfield Market and events space may look like (Picture AEW Architects)

 

The proposals said: "Oldham town centre faces challenges like many towns across the country – high profile vacancies, declining footfall, over-reliance and over supply of retail space, a lack of diversification and ageing buildings and infrastructure.

"In the last few years, Oldham’s high street has lost many high street names, as the impact of the national fundamental shift in retail habits is felt in the town.

"Considering the recent Covid-19 crisis, the need for investment is even more pressing.

"The health of Oldham’s town centre is crucial to the success of Oldham as a whole and the large and diverse community it supports.

"Redevelopment of Spindles will enable the high street to adapt to changing circumstances and market demand, promoting the long-term sustainability of Oldham."

A council officer report on the plans added: "The proposals will form the first phase in a programme of regeneration/re-purposing of the shopping centre.

"The proposed demolition methodology is deemed acceptable.

"It is anticipated that redevelopment works following demolition will commence in the latter part

of 2022."

After weighing up the proposals, the application was approved subject to a number of conditions.