Popeyes is opening its first Oldham restaurant tomorrow at 11am at Elk Mill Shopping Park, taking over the former Pizza Hut building. The Louisiana-style fried chicken chain is offering launch day giveaways including free deluxe chicken sandwiches for a year to the first four customers, merchandise to the first 50, and free sandwiches to the first 100. This is Popeyes' sixth UK opening of 2026 and fifth restaurant in Greater Manchester, following recent openings in Bolton and upcoming locations at Piccadilly Station and Trafford Retail Park. The halal-certified chicken is marinated for 12 hours in Louisiana seasoning before being hand-breaded and battered.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is seeking commercial partnerships to maximise reach across the transport network. The organisation offers advertising assets, sponsorship opportunities, and filming locations to generate revenue that supports the Bee Network, invests in zero-emission buses, and keeps fares affordable. TfGM has partnered with organisations including the BBC, Manchester City Football Club, and Manchester Pride. The portfolio includes media channels, property rentals, and data services in partnership with Greater Manchester Police. TfGM aims to commercialise assets while promoting Greater Manchester and creating social impact through brand partnerships.
Heyside Plastics, based in Royton, Oldham, has partnered with University of Salford robotics student Enoch Adediran for a three-month digital transformation internship. The 28-year-old student worked hands-on in production environments, applying automation concepts and digital tools to real-world manufacturing challenges. The internship was delivered through Made Smarter North West, a government-backed programme supporting SME manufacturers with digital transformation. Business executive Garreth Brown said Enoch helped fill a vital skills gap and fast-tracked the company's digital roadmap. Since 2019, Made Smarter has supported over 2,500 manufacturers across the North West with digital advice, technology adoption, and funded projects.
A new Starbucks drive-through has opened in the Tesco Chadderton car park, built in an underutilised section of the parking area. The store, which received planning permission in March last year, operates alongside a drive-through Greggs. This is the third drive-through Starbucks in the borough, joining locations at Elk Mill Retail Park and Manchester Road in Chadderton. The store opened on February 13 and has created 15 new jobs. Customers have praised the bright and airy interior, with two Google reviews highlighting the clean, comfortable atmosphere and friendly staff. The combined Starbucks and Greggs stores provide 41 dedicated parking spaces within the Tesco car park.
Popeyes is set to open its Oldham restaurant at Elk Mill Retail Park on February 27, 2026, in the former Pizza Hut building. The Louisiana-style chicken chain has reclad the building in blue, orange and white brand colours and installed signage visible from Broadway. The restaurant will offer dine-in and takeaway options featuring halal-certified chicken marinated for 12 hours in Louisiana seasoning. First-day customers can win prizes including free deluxe chicken sandwiches for a year, with the first 50 receiving exclusive merchandise and the first 100 getting a free sandwich. The opening follows successful launches in Greater Manchester, with CEO Tom Crowley noting strong regional demand.
A new Lidl supermarket has officially opened at Hollinwood Junction in Oldham, creating up to 40 full-time equivalent jobs. The store was opened by Mayor of Oldham Cllr Arooj Shah alongside pupils from Hollinwood Academy. The £25 million regeneration project at Hollinwood Junction, led by Langtree in partnership with Oldham Council, is due for completion in Summer 2026 and will deliver around 720 jobs. The development includes Costa Coffee and a Euro Garage, with plans for 2,000 new homes in Oldham town centre and a revamped Spindles market.