Casino approved for former Barclays bank in Oldham town centre

A casino is set to open in Oldham town centre after plans to convert the former Barclays bank on Market Street were approved by planners. The Grade II listed building has stood empty since the bank branch closed in 2023, and developers want to turn it into an adult gaming centre operated by Merkur Slots.

The proposal faced one formal objection from a local resident who raised concerns about 24-hour opening hours, potential noise late at night, and the impact on antisocial behaviour. The objector also worried about the growing concentration of gambling venues in the area, with three other adult gaming centres and four betting shops already operating nearby.

Planning officers acknowledged these concerns but found no policy grounds to refuse the application. They concluded that the casino would not harm the town centre's character or vitality, and that the benefits of bringing a prominent vacant building back into use outweighed any potential harm to the historic structure.

Environmental health officers approved the plans subject to conditions including background music only and keeping doors closed to minimise noise. Greater Manchester Police made no comment on the application, and highways officers said the casino would have no impact on traffic. The internal screening proposed for the windows will be non-permanent to protect the building's historic fabric.