Willmott Dixon has been appointed by Oldham council as the main contractor for the Spindles Town Square redevelopment in Oldham
Following transformational projects in Rochdale and Stockport, Willmott Dixon will carry out similar work in Oldham town centre. The specialist team of regeneration experts will work closely with Oldham Council and provide advice on design and supply chain.
The company will demolish the former TJ Hughes unit as part of a wider masterplan to create a 450,000 square foot development that will house a new market, flexible offices, event space and heritage archive.
The demolition will pave the way for a brand-new split-level Tommyfield Market. This will include retail stalls linking to the shopping mall; a food and drink area linking to Parliament Square; an event space above the new market; a new archive centre; and a new co-working area.
The Spindles Town Square redevelopment project has been procured through the Procure North West Framework. Subject to approval, the main building works is expected to get underway later in 2022. The regeneration is expected to be complete towards the end of 2023.
Commitment to delivering over £10m in social value
Oldham council leader and councillor Arooj Shah made the following comments on the Spindles Town Square redevelopment:
“I am delighted to announce Willmott Dixon as our construction partner for the redevelopment of Spindles. They’re a hugely experienced company whose northern headquarters are based in the borough – so they know first-hand the importance of this project and the positive change it is going to bring to our town.
“They share our ambition to make Oldham a place we can all be proud of and have committed to delivering over £10m in social value – all of which will benefit local people and businesses.”
Enhancing Oldham town centre for future generations
Anthony Dillon, managing director for Willmott Dixon in the north, added:
“As an Oldham-based company, we are really proud to be appointed to continue to play our part in shaping the future of the town centre alongside Oldham Council. Our focus is all about how we can deliver brilliant buildings, transform lives, strengthen communities and enhance the environment so our towns are fit for future generations.
“Our role here means that the Spindles Town Square redevelopment will be built for the people of Oldham by the people of Oldham, and we will work with our local supply chain partners to create sustainable employment opportunities and a lasting positive legacy in this community.”
‘Upskilling in the Community’: improving local economy and social mobility
Willmott Dixon will also deliver a £10m social value package as part of its ‘Upskilling in the Community’ plan. This includes creating local jobs and contributing to economic growth and social mobility in Oldham. On this particular project – the Spindles Town Square redevelopment – Willmott Dixon will offer 16 local jobs, two of which will go to long-term unemployed residents.
The construction company has also promised to spend £9m with the local supply chain and over £500k with Oldham’s micro, small and medium enterprises. Additionally, Willmott Dixon will fully refurbishment the Fitton Hill Community Facility as well as lending support to local charities and organisations.
‘The redevelopment of Spindles will transform Oldham’
Cllr Shah added:
“We’re a co-operative council and we’re committed to creating an inclusive economy. This means that we spend money and invest locally as much as possible, and we ask those we work with to do the same. This way, our borough and the people and businesses in it directly benefit.
“The redevelopment of Spindles will transform Oldham and support our town to recover from the pandemic. I look forward to seeing work progress and delivering the many benefits this project will bring to the borough.”
