It’s almost time for traders and shoppers to say goodbye to the old Tommyfield Market
After 240 years, Oldham's Tommyfield Market will be demolished this summer, with traders relocating to a new venue near Spindles Shopping Centre by June. The move has elicited mixed reactions, with some traders optimistic about the new location while others, like Lummy and Margaret, are closing their stalls due to uncertainties. The council aims to revitalize the market by integrating it with the shopping centre, though concerns remain about the impact on surrounding businesses and the loss of community spirit.
Tommyfield Market Hall Faces Demolition After 240 Years as Traders Prepare for Relocation
Oldham Council has approved plans to demolish the historic Tommyfield market hall this summer, ending nearly 240 years of trading history at the site. The market’s 115 traders will relocate to a new 70-stall venue adjacent to Spindles Shopping Centre, with completion expected by June.
The decision marks the end of an era for vendors like Justin Brierley, whose footwear stall has been a Tommyfield fixture since 1967. “It’s going to be strange moving,” said Brierley, 54, who has run the family business for 39 years. His stall moved indoors when the current hall was built in the 1990s, replacing a building destroyed by fire in 1974. “Markets aren’t just about the money, it’s about the community. People come here to meet their friends. There’s a real community base here, which is what we won’t be able to take with us.”
Electronics seller Mr Mahmoud, 63, shares mixed feelings about the 400-meter move. After eight years at Tommyfield, he describes himself as a “newcomer” compared to lifelong traders. “It’s been brilliant here. There’s nice local people, loyal customers. We all look out for each other. And it’s a good, modern building. Actually, it’s a better building [than the new venue] because it’s bigger.” His customers have already begun asking about the relocation, which he views as positive since “luckily it’s not far.”
The £24.5 million redevelopment, funded through the government’s Towns Fund, aims to revitalize Oldham’s declining market trade. The council purchased Spindles Shopping Centre for £9.5 million in 2020, converting its upper floors into council offices and a business hub. Since renovations began, vacant units have decreased and footfall has increased, prompting hopes that merging market and mall will attract diverse shoppers.
However, not all traders support the move. News stand owners Lummy and Margaret will close rather than relocate. “We don’t know what the rent is going to be. What the new space is like,” Lummy explained. “We’d only just moved in when they announced this plan. And I just thought: why? What’s wrong with this place? Ok, the roof needs a fix up, but that’s it.” Ramsdens business manager Mohammed, 40, worries about Curzon Street businesses losing customers. “There’ll be no reason for people to come down here anymore. I think it’s absolutely stupid when they could spend a little bit of money to do up the market instead of dropping loads of money to move everything around the town centre.”
Marilyn Cuschera, who has worked at Tommyfield for nearly a decade, may face forced retirement as her accessories stall didn’t secure space in the new venue. “I’ve been thinking about [retiring] for a while, but I just love the market so much. It’s the buzzing [atmosphere], all the different people you meet, yet seeing the same people you work with every day.” She’s on a waiting list for the new location but acknowledges the market’s struggles with online competition and reduced footfall.
Traders will continue operating at Tommyfield until the June relocation, though demolition dates remain unconfirmed.
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