Oldham: Tommyfield Market traders sign new leases until 2025

Leases expire around a year after the replacement market, on the site of the current TJ Hughes building, is expected to be completed next year, which the council says is to allow for any potential construction overrun.

Current site of Tommyfield Market (Image: Oldham Council)

Last year, a mineshaft was discovered underneath the site, leading to changes in the approach to construction – however, this is not thought to risk any delay to the project.

ALSO READ: Secret mineshaft discovered under TJ Hughes redevelopment.

One market trader who spoke to the paper said: “Hopefully by then the new market will be built. We’re not guaranteed a place at the new market, we have to reapply.

“We’re going to have interviews and apply to go over the road; the building of the market there is definitely going to happen – when is it going to happen? I don’t know.

“I think everything should be going to plan, unless there’s any more hiccups like that mineshaft.”

View from Parliament Square showing computer render of new Tommyfield Market and events space (Image: AEW Architects)

Following the opening of the new market, the current site of Tommyfield Market will be demolished and a new park, named Jubilee Park in honour of the Queen’s 70 years on the throne, will be created in its place.

Council leader responds

Leader of Oldham Council, Cllr Amanda Chadderton, said: “Market traders will be receiving a 50 per cent reduction in their rent by the end of February, backdated to October 2022. We're fixing this reduction for three years based on new interim agreements with traders.

“Although rents did not increase for more than a decade, we did listen to traders who told us they were struggling with overheads due to increases in costs and the pandemic affecting trade.

“Now, market traders will be paying 50 per cent of the rent they were paying in 2010 which we hope will support them as they wait to move across to the new market.

“The new home for Tommyfield Market is becoming a reality with works already underway on the former TJ Hughes site.

“Internal strip-out works have been completed in advance of demolition works, which will take place soon. 

“The new market is scheduled to open at the end of 2024 and the end date of the new leases has been set as 1 October 2025 to comfortably allow for any construction over-run.

“Although these are three-year leases, they allow tenants to give one month’s notice, should they wish to leave.

“We’re excited for the new space for the market traders and pleased we have been able to offer this support at a time when most businesses are struggling.”