Oldham Magistrates’ Court set for demolition

Oldham Magistrates’ Court is to be demolished as part of a masterplan for the town centre.

Oldham Council agreed to  buy the building and land on West Street at a cabinet meeting on Monday night (February 26).

The court was closed by HM Courts and Tribunal Service in September 2016. Cases were redirected to Tameside Magistrates’ Court in Ashton.

The court building in West Street, which opened in the 1970s, was transferred to the Government’s Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

The council has acquired the site from HCA and plans to demolish the building with as part of the town centre masterplan which aims to make use of under-utilised sites and outdated buildings.

Jean Stretton, Oldham Council leader, said: “The purchase of the Magistrates’ Court shows we are making great progress in our plans to transform the town centre.

“Oldham is already benefitting from several regeneration schemes like the Old Town Hall, the Cultural Quarter and new Coliseum Theatre, and the Independent Quarter.

“This Masterplan is the next stage in ensuring a bright future for our residents and bringing our aspirations to fruition.”

Oldham Council’s masterplan covers an area of around 21 acres in size, including Tommyfield Market, the Civic Centre, Oldham Police Station, the former Oldham Sports Centre, Magistrates’ Court, and the current Oldham Coliseum Theatre.

The aim is to support the plan with additional infrastructure such as housing and schools to boost the economy by an estimated £50m per year.