Oldham: Plans approved for £40m employment development

At a meeting of the council's planning committee on Wednesday November 15, members were presented with the plans for the Hollinwood Junction project.

The proposal outlined how five buildings totalling 13 industrial units would be developed, along with offices and car parking.

Now, permission has been granted to develop the site which lies next to Junction 22 of the M60 and was previously occupied by a large gas holder, which was demolished in 2020.

The units are expected to be used for distribution, manufacturing and warehousing purposes and will be accessed via Olive Claydon Way, which currently leads to a drive-thru Costa Coffee cafe. 

The Costa was previously developed by the same developers of the industrial site, Langtree.

The design of the proposed units (Image: Horizon Fletcher Rae)

Josh Downes, senior development manager at Langtree, said the development will provide a "variety of high-quality workspaces to support Oldham's economic growth".

He added: "It’s a prime location and provides room for local employers to expand whilst offering high-grade space to new occupiers attracted by Oldham’s skilled workforce.

"Our ambition is to be in a position to start on in Q3 2024 so it’s full speed ahead with detailed design and the procurement of a high-quality contractor."

Parking will be available outside each unit (Image: Horizon Fletcher Rae)

Pictures of the proposed designs, created by architects Fletcher Rae, show buildings being a mix of dark and white profiled cladding, with glass windows and parking available outside each unit.

Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, which collaborated with Langtree to deliver the scheme, said: “The approval of the next phase of Hollinwood junction marks a significant milestone for Oldham.

“The state-of-the-art industrial units will improve our local economy for our communities and create new jobs for Oldhamers.

The vacant land where the development will take place (Image: Google Maps)

“This collaboration with Langtree will make sure Oldham keeps growing and becomes an even better place to live, work and visit.

“And with the site right next to Junction 22 of the M60, it makes it a desired destination for innovation, offering easy access for businesses across the UK and beyond.”

The application had been recommended for approval and was unanimously approved by planning committee members who attended the meeting.