The first section of Tommyfield Park has opened on the ground once occupied by Oldham's sports centre. Councillor Pam Byrne, the Mayor of Oldham, cut a ribbon on Friday 23 October to mark the occasion.

The opening phase covers 1.5 acres. Once the second phase is complete in 2027, the park should cover 5.7 acres in total.

Visitors will find grass areas, paths to walk, seating, an amphitheatre-style terrace and room for children to play. The council describes it as somewhere to relax, meet friends, take a break from work or simply spend time outdoors in the middle of town.

It is a central piece of Oldham's regeneration work and the council's aim of a greener, healthier and more attractive town centre, intended to join up neighbourhoods and sit alongside new housing.

A route will connect the park with Snipe Gardens, which opened in June 2025, so pedestrians get a greener way to walk between Oldham Bus Station and the town centre.

Materials from the site and nearby have been worked into the landscaping. Red sandstone dug out during the build features in the park, along with sections of beech trees from Tandle Hill Country Park.

At the entrance stands the Pioneers Stone, made by Frank Rothwell OBE. It marks Oldham's part in the birth of the world's first IVF baby, Louise Joy Brown, at Oldham General Hospital in 1978, and pays tribute to the medical team, her parents and the women involved in the breakthrough.

Councillor Pam Byrne said: "This is a proud moment for Oldham. Tommyfield Park is much more than a new park. It's an investment in our residents, our communities and the future of our town centre."

She added: "Whether it's families spending time together, workers taking a break or visitors enjoying our town, this park will become a green heart for Oldham and another example of us delivering on our ambitions for a healthier, happier and greener borough."

The second phase will be built where Tommyfield Market Hall once stood, and is planned to include a bigger play area, climbing equipment, water play and a sustainable pond.

Young people have helped shape the plans through community groups and partners. Cameron Gates took part through Spark Oldham and said: "Being involved in Tommyfield Park has been a brilliant experience. It's something that's going to be here for years to come and knowing I've played a part in it makes me really proud."

CCTV cameras run by the council's First Response team cover the park. It will be checked on a regular basis, with town centre maintenance crews keeping the space clean.

The park is funded through the £450 million Creating a Better Place programme, which also includes The Market and Loom at Spindles, J R Clynes, new homes including work starting on site at Princes Gate, and improvements to public spaces across the town centre.