Oldham’s new town-centre park will open in March 2026, transforming six acres of urban space into a green haven stretching from St Mary’s Way to Henshaw Street.

The council released a CGI video offering residents a glimpse of Jubilee Park, which will replace the demolished Tommyfield indoor market and former Rock Street car park. The animated flythrough reveals a kidney-shaped lawn surrounded by mature trees, with winding paths leading to a climbable rock formation on the west side and a natural-material play area to the east.

“The park will be fully self-sustaining, featuring solar powered lighting and wildlife friendly spaces,” a council spokesperson announced on Facebook. Picnic benches and stepping-stone logs will create hidden pathways through the undergrowth, while regular street lighting will ensure safety for pedestrians and cyclists using the space as a town-centre shortcut.

The £multi-million project has sparked intense debate among Oldham’s residents, with more than 200 people sharing their views online. Some questioned the wisdom of creating green space when the town centre needs shops, particularly with Alexandra Park located just ten minutes away. Others voiced concerns about potential crime and cleanliness issues.

“Which section will be for fly-tipping?” resident Chris Barrie quipped on social media.

However, supporters urged sceptics to embrace the change. “Initiatives like this are just what is needed in Oldham,” Paul Davies commented. “Towns all over England are changing. The shopping experience has changed dramatically, therefore town centres are changing and need to adapt.”

Construction is already underway on the park, which will join Oldham’s existing 34 parks and green spaces when it opens in 14 months’ time.

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