A new market in Oldham has welcomed more than 50,000 visitors in its first six months, with traders reporting increased sales and more shoppers visiting the town centre.

The market opened its doors at The Spindles shopping centre in March, following its relocation from the historic Tommyfield Market as part of Oldham's £450 million town centre investment.

Since opening, overall footfall at the market has increased, while traders have reported average weekly sales rising by 20 per cent. The Spindles has recorded a 10 per cent increase in visitor numbers.

Among the traders benefiting is Crossley's Fish. Mark Crossley said the business has seen around a 20 per cent increase in visitors since moving. He said the new market had brought back customers who had not visited for years, including people travelling from Saddleworth, Shaw and Crompton.

"Moving here has been one of the best decisions we've made," Mark said.

Town Barber Too has also experienced increased footfall since relocating. Patrick Scrivens said the market's position within The Spindles means people can walk through the building, with the space also being used as a route through the shopping centre. He said this had resulted in new people discovering the stalls, alongside regular customers.

The Greenroom café and sandwich bar has similarly welcomed the move, with owner Ross McGivern describing the new location as "very positive". He said the business had attracted new customers while also bringing back people who had not visited for years. The café is located next to the front entrance on the ground floor, with an open space outside which can be used by local organisations for events and workshops.

Meanwhile, Kelly Bentley of The Hen House said trade had improved and the business was seeing "a lot more people" coming through its doors. She said the new location has helped attract new customers, including council staff visiting during lunch breaks or after work.

The market's first six months have also been welcomed by Oldham Council's Director of Growth, James Kington. He said: "We are delighted with the success of the market during its first six months. Welcoming more than 50,000 visitors in such a short space of time is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates the appetite for a vibrant destination that supports local traders.

"The increase in sales for our traders and the positive impact on the wider shopping centre show that the market is helping to drive footfall, encourage people to spend locally and strengthen the town centre."

The redevelopment of The Spindles has also received wider recognition, with the project nominated for Retrofit Project of the Year at the Manchester Property Awards.

The development forms part of a wider transformation of Oldham town centre. The former Tommyfield Market site is now set to become the second phase of the new Tommyfield Park. The next phase will create additional green space in the heart of the town centre, following the relocation of the market to its new home.