A vision to build 2,000 new homes across key areas in Oldham town centre has sparked backlash amongst some residents before the public consultation period begins.
Muse and Oldham Council have formed a long-term partnership to deliver a "positive change for the town" with thousands of new homes set to be built in the next 15 years across five 'character areas' in the town centre.
The five areas are made up of the 'civic and residential quarter', which contains the civic centre, former Magistrates Court and Tommyfield market, 'the retail core', with Spindles shopping centre at its heart, 'a cultural and creative quarter', characterised around the Town Hall and a 'eastern edge and Oldham Mumps' and 'Western edge and educational quarter'.
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The homes will be built across the five zones which Oldham Council hopes will plug gaps in the national housing crisis with homes available to buy and to rent.
The Council also says the proposals will "celebrate Oldham's industrial past while looking towards a bright, modern future".
Residents across the borough are now invited to take part in the conversation with a series of public consultations and drop-in events organised throughout the summer.
However, some have already slammed the plans online, calling it a "housing estate, not a town centre".
Lesley Husband-Lambert wrote: "But no shopping? Sad."
She said she would like to see the council reduce rents for retailers to attract a vibrant shopping scene, adding: "Oldham was brilliant years ago, [with] coach trips coming to the market.
"Now Bury is the place everyone goes to as it is still thriving, fabulous market and shopping malls.
"Bury is always packed so people still do go out."
Matt Mullen added: "We don't need more housing, we need a town centre with shops and a good market again."
Though others disagreed, as Jack Butterworth said: "The council cannot build 'shopping', they can build shops but this is pointless if people are buying online."
Hayley Woods similarly said: "Our shopping habits have changed. Nothing lasts forever, not even Oldham's once great market and nightlife."
Still, others queried if the plans would include other essential facilities for residents.
Both Jill Hulme and Susan McCarthy Morris asked if there were any GP surgeries, dentists, health centres and primary schools included in the plans.
Meanwhile, James Molloy said he thinks the plan isn't large enough.
He said: "The council already knocked down hundreds of houses in the past 15 years and FCHO demolished Crossbank and Summervale House flats.
"So the 2,000 new homes won't amount to 2,000 new homes, because it's replacing the ones that have already been knocked down - it won't even touch the social housing shortage."
However, others seemed in favour of the vision.
Mike Casey said it "looks fantastic" to which Alan Wakefield agreed it was "great news".
Hayley Woods also said: "Looks fab."
Oldham Council is now inviting residents to attend its drop-in centres inside Spindles Shopping Centre, near the entrance to Rhode Island Coffee, to share their thoughts between 10am and 2pm on the following days:
- Monday, July 29
- Thursday, August 8
- Thursday, August 15
- Thursday, August 22
- Saturday, August 31
- Thursday, September 5
Residents can also fill in a survey to 'have your say' on the town living plans, which can be visited here: https://bigoldhamconvo.oldham.gov.uk/oldhamtownliving-survey
Got a story? Email me Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk
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