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Search the Public Notice PortalFor 240 years, an outdoor Saturday market has taken place at Tommyfield, but that is all set to change as the market’s new location prepares to open.
Work is progressing on the new outdoor market at George Square, between Spindles shopping centre and the police station, where the foundations were laid in April.
Once complete, the market area will also double up as an outdoor entertainment space for public events.
The project has been funded by a £1m government grant and £1m of council capital spend.
It follows the successful opening of the new indoor market, now called The Market, and The Loom event space next to Spindles on Parliament Square, which opened in March.
We went to take a look at the site and it definitely appears to be taking shape.
The floor of the market square has been covered in new paving. The stones have been arranged in a square design, but it is unknown whether this is related in anyway to the market's stall layout.
The area surrounding the new market, next to the bus station, is also undergoing extensive transformation.
The neighbouring Three Crowns pub has now been fully demolished and the site is set to become commercial and learning space, according to the planning documents.
Similarly, the site of the former magistrates court is also cleared and behind hoarding ready for redevelopment.
When will the new outdoor market open?
A precise opening date for the market is yet to be announced, but work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Initially, the opening date had been slated for late 2025, but delays have pushed back the timeframe by several months.
A council spokesperson said this week: "Works are progressing well on site, and the scheme remains on programme.
"Arrangements for the opening of the new outdoor market will be announced in due course."
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What is happening to the old outdoor market?
There are big plans for the site of the former outdoor market, located next to the car park of the indoor Tommyfield Market, which still stands for now, but will eventually be demolished.
At the moment, the renowned Levers Fish and Chip shop continues to trade from the old market while work is done on their new town centre premises.
The land has been earmarked to become the site of a proposed new college, led by Eton College and Star Academies Trust.
While the project aims to support ‘talented, underprivileged pupils’ from Oldham accessing the world’s top universities, it has also been criticised by a local expert and some council members.
End of an era?
Oldham’s market heritage is a huge source of pride for the town and Tommyfield has always been at the heart of it.
The name originates from the 18th-century pig farmer, Thomas Whittaker, who used to own the land.
It wasn’t until the 19th century that the first indoor market was built and replaced shortly after in 1907.
While the markets moving away from the Tommyfield land does mark the end of an era, the name will live on.
Last year, it was announced that the new town centre green space will be named Tommyfield Park in the market’s honour.
What do you think of the changes to Oldham's markets? Let us know in the comment section below.
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