All the traders due to move into Oldham's new market

Oldham's new market is finally opening after a six-month delay, with traders moving from the historic Tommyfield site to a modern new home on Yorkshire Street. The Market will open its doors at 9am on Saturday, March 28, with around 45 traders ready to welcome customers to the £450m regeneration project that's reshaping the town centre.

The new market hall, attached to the Spindles shopping centre, will house familiar faces from Tommyfield alongside some exciting new additions. Traders will offer everything from butchers and sweet stalls to bedding, gifts, and hardware. The beloved Tommyfield cafes are making the move too, bringing their famous fry-ups and pastries to the new location, plus there's a Thai food stall joining the mix.

Council leader Arooj Shah described the opening as 'a huge moment for our town,' emphasising that the market is about backing local traders, growing small businesses, and bringing fresh energy to Oldham's heart. This launch is part of a broader £450m regeneration scheme that's already seen the Egyptian Room foodhall open and the Old Library transformed into a new town hall.

The move marks the end of an era for Tommyfield Market, which has served generations of Oldham shoppers. While some traders are excited about the modern facilities and increased foot traffic from the Spindles connection, others have expressed mixed feelings about leaving the historic site. The new market's success could be crucial for the town centre's future as it competes with online shopping and out-of-town retail parks.