A TRANSFORMATION of Oldham town centre is one step closer after Marks & Spencer (M&S) signed on the dotted line to open their first shop in the area.
The 130-year-old high street retailer has exchanged contracts with the local authority on a move to the forthcoming Prince’s Gate at Oldham Mumps development.
M&S is to become anchor tenants at the wide-ranging regeneration scheme, which was unveiled last month and is set to open in 2017.
The plans aim to transform this gateway site to the east of the town centre – adjacent to the Metrolink line – and are set out in a new ‘helicopter’ visual of the site released by Oldham Council.
This mixed-use scheme will deliver around 150,000 sq ft of extra retail space, up to 800 homes as part of a new quality living offer and around 700 car parking spaces.
M&S will be opening a 51,000 sq ft clothing, home and food store at the stunning new glazed development with a natural wave form roof.
This will be built on the current Park and Ride site at Oldham Mumps with a replacement facility to be provided on the opposite side of the road.
Jim McMahon, Oldham Council leader, said: “We never doubted it would happen but it’s a really positive milestone to be able to officially confirm Marks & Spencer is coming to Oldham.
“M&S is a fantastic authentic brand and it is obvious why we’ve worked so hard to get them here.
“Our market research overwhelmingly told us they are the favourite missing High Street store people wanted to see here and we’ve now delivered that.
“Prince’s Gate at Oldham Mumps is a vital part of our wider regeneration plans that are set to give the town centre a huge stimulus.
“Our new Independent Quarter has a waiting list of people to talk to us about the fantastic package of support and incentives on offer to smaller traders and M&S will now help us attract more high street retailers.
“Princes’ Gate is the most ambitious Oldham project has seen for decades. It is just one part of a strategic vision to grow our local economy, help residents and business, and generate new income to support council services.”
An M&S Spokesperson said: “We have now exchanged contracts for a full line store in the Prince’s Gate development and look forward to progressing plans in the near future.”
An independent economic analysis of the Prince’s Gate masterplan by AMION Consulting recently identified it could be worth up to £21 million per year to the local economy.
Cabinet approved the plans on November 17 and the next steps will be the submission of planning applications for the replacement Park and Ride facility, and the overall scheme.
A future Cabinet report will set out all the delivery options for the development with a full financial analysis.
Find out more about the plans at: www.oldham.gov.uk/princesgate
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