The public consultation for the Oldham Town Living regeneration programme in Greater Manchester, England, has commenced, inviting inputs from residents, businesses, and other stakeholders on the proposed redevelopment of six key sites.
The consultation, which runs until 7 March 2025, focuses on the ‘pivotal’ locations of Prince’s Gate, the Former Magistrate’s Court, the Former Manchester Chambers, the Former Leisure Centre, the Civic Centre, and the Civic Tower.
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These sites are seen as integral to Oldham’s vision of a revitalised town centre comprising new homes, public spaces, and commercial opportunities.
This formal public engagement follows a comprehensive planning phase and a seven-week community conversation held in mid-2024 by Muse and Oldham Council on the Oldham Town Living Development Framework.
The framework, endorsed by Oldham Council’s cabinet in November 2024, outlines the strategic vision for the town’s regeneration, including the creation of up to 2,000 new homes and the utilisation of nearly 10ha of council-owned land.
Among the proposals is the transformation of the Civic Tower. A change of use application is being prepared to repurpose the tower for commercial uses, potentially including a modern hotel. The development aims to preserve the tower’s characteristics while integrating it into the residential neighbourhood.
The Civic Centre site is earmarked for up to 838 homes, featuring four mid-rise blocks with rooftop gardens and two taller buildings adjacent to the Civic Tower.
Meanwhile, the Former Magistrate’s Court, demolished in 2019, has outline plans for 219 homes on the allocated housing site, aligning with the Civic Centre and Manchester Chambers schemes.
Public engagement activities will be conducted both online and physically, providing opportunities for the community to ask questions and offer feedback directly to the project team.
Following the consultation, all six planning applications are anticipated to be submitted by the end of this March.
Muse senior development manager Alex Vogel said: “Through our partnership with Oldham Council, we’re committed to delivering a transformational programme that meets the needs of local people.
“This consultation is an important opportunity for the community to provide feedback and ensure the proposals reflect their aspirations. We’re extremely excited to be bringing all Oldhamers on this journey with us and we encourage everyone to have their say.”
