Oldham Council has approved plans for a mixed-use development as part of the regeneration of Oldham Mumps.
The site is located to the east of Oldham town centre in the area surrounding the Old Mumps Metrolink light rail stop. It will comprise of 150,000 square feet of new retail space, 800 new homes, and around 700 car parking spaces.
Since 2011, talks have been ongoing with retailer Marks and Spencer regarding the opening of a food and clothing store at the development. The council confirmed that the plans now propose a 51,000 sq ft M&S store within the 117,000 sq ft retail development at the site of an existing Park and Ride.
A new underground car park with 200 spaces will be provided under the retail development.
The Park and Ride site will be relocated.
The Grade II listed former Natwest bank building will also be refurbished to provide apartments, cafés, bars, and leisure facilities.
At the Roscoe Mill site to the west of Prince Street, an 18,000 sq ft supermarket has been proposed, and the council confirmed it was in “talks with a major supermarket tenant”. Around 50 apartments, have also been proposed for the upper three storeys of the supermarket building.
The development expects to create around 700 new jobs and will contribute up to £21m per year to the local economy.
In a statement, the Leader of Oldham Council Jim McMahon said: “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 Natwest bank building for modern use.”
The development expects to start construction in 2015. McMahon said “the next significant phase, including opening the new retail development – and the proposed M&S store – is set for 2017”.
