Oldham residents raised concerns after the new indoor market opening March 28 was named 'The Market' rather than Tommyfield. A petition with 38 signatures called for restoring the historic name. Council leader Arooj Shah responded that Tommyfield 'isn't disappearing' but will be given to a new five-acre town centre park instead. The new market opens March 28 at 9am with entertainment, while The Loom event space also opens that day. The first 100 visitors receive free goodie bags.
A petition has been launched to preserve the Tommyfield name for Oldham's new market, which is set to open on March 28, 2026. The petition, started by Kathryn Burns, argues that removing the historic name risks erasing part of Oldham's heritage. The new market in Spindles will replace the current Tommyfield Market building, which closes on March 21, 2026. The council has named the new market simply 'The Market' with an adjoining space called 'The Loom'. The petition has gathered 17 signatures so far and asks the council to either restore the historic name or at least display Tommyfield above the market sign. Council leader Arooj Shah previously acknowledged the closure as 'the end of an era' but emphasized looking forward with confidence as market heritage continues.