Oldham set to bring M&S to ‘gamechanging’ development
OLDHAM Council has revealed it is close to agreeing a deal with retailer Marks & Spencer to anchor a major regeneration scheme in the Mumps area of the town.
The local authority has unveiled an ambitious masterplan for the area called Prince’s Gate, which it describes as a “gamechanger” for its aspirations to transform the area.
Independent economic analysis of the Prince’s Gate masterplan by AMION Consulting has identified that it is expected to create more than 700 new jobs and could be worth up to £21m per year to the local economy.
Overall it would deliver around 150,000 sq ft of extra retail space, up to 800 homes, including apartments, and approximately 700 car parking spaces.
Cllr Jim McMahon, Oldham Council’s leader, said: “Prince’s Gate at Oldham Mumps is all about our aspirations for our future – it is a gamechanger for the new Oldham.”
As a key part of the retail aspect, discussions have been ongoing with M&S since 2011.
An M&S spokesperson said: “It is our intention to open a clothing, home and food store in the Prince’s Gate at Oldham Mumps development. We hope to progress plans in the near future.”
Cllr McMahon added: “The interest of M&S is a massive vote of confidence in what we’re doing and potentially a fantastic early Christmas present for Oldham.
“Our eastern gateway is opening up as a major new opportunity and it’s vital we grasp this chance to make the most of our new Metrolink connection, attract new high street names, offer quality town centre living options, and preserve the historic Grade II-listed Nat West bank building for modern use.”
Oldham Council began developing a retail concept for the eastern gateway in 2013, but residential is now a major part of the final Prince’s Gate masterplan which could develop a new neighbourhood of up to 800 homes.
A significant number could be provided on the former Mumps station and rail line (owned by Transport for Greater Manchester [TfGM]) plus other plots in the area. The one-time NatWest bank building would also be refurbished for apartments, plus café/bars and leisure.
The focal point of Prince’s Gate at Oldham Mumps is the retail area anchored by the proposed 51,000 sq ft M&S food and clothing store.
The retail development will be built on the current Park and Ride site and the council has already agreed a landswap with TfGM for a replacement facility.
Another new retail unit will also be provided on the RSPCA/Roscoe Mill site to the west of Prince Street where landowner negotiations and talks with a major supermarket tenant are ongoing. Above this 18,000 sq ft store there would be around 50 apartment units set across three storeys.
