Exciting new chapter for Oldham town centre as key announcements made at the Town Centre Forum
Oldham Council has announced major developments for the town centre, including the renaming of key areas—'The Spindles', 'The Market', and 'The Loom'—as part of the Building a Better Oldham programme. The Spindles will blend shopping, business, and community activity, while The Market will offer a seamless shopping experience. The Loom will serve as a versatile event space. Additionally, Queen Elizabeth Hall will remain open until January 2026, and a new Shop Front Grant Scheme aims to enhance the town's visual appeal.
Oldham Council revealed major developments for the town centre’s future at the Oldham Town Centre Forum on Wednesday 18th June, with businesses from across the borough in attendance.
The council unveiled new names for three key regeneration areas under the Building a Better Oldham programme. Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre, currently undergoing transformation, will become ‘The Spindles’ to reflect the town’s heritage and its role as a multi-functional space combining shopping, business, and community activities.
The relocated indoor market will be named ‘The Market’, featuring two levels - a lower level opening onto Parliament Square and an upper level connected to Spindles. The Market is scheduled to open in September, with council support helping stallholders fit out their new units.
Above The Market, ‘The Loom’ event space will accommodate up to 1,000 standing, 700 seated, or 500 dining guests. The versatile venue, opening in November, can be subdivided for smaller events. The names honor Oldham’s cotton heritage, representing the spindles, looms, and markets that once made the town the world’s cotton spinning capital.
Council Leader Cllr Arooj Shah announced: “As someone who knows and loves this town, I’m really proud to share these next steps in our journey and it was such a pleasure sharing the details at our first Town Centre Forum. The new names, The Loom, The Market and The Spindles, have been chosen to reflect who we are and where we’re going.”
The council also confirmed Queen Elizabeth Hall will remain open until January 2026, ensuring this year’s Christmas pantomime ‘Beauty and the Beast’ can proceed as planned. A new Shop Front Grant Scheme offers up to £10,000 for standard premises and £20,000 for double-fronted businesses to improve their appearances, covering 75% of eligible costs.
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