Oldham Council’s Town Centre Masterplan is taking a significant step forward with the purchase of Oldham Magistrates’ Court.

Cabinet last night (26 February) approved the acquisition as a key part of our regeneration vision.

The courts were closed permanently by HM Courts and Tribunal Service in 2016 and transferred to the Government’s Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

The acquisition of the site on West Street from the HCA now paves the way for the immediate demolition of the building.

This will allow the council to manage the long-term future of the site and the development of this area as part of its ambitious Town Centre Masterplan.

The Masterplan centres on significant areas of publicly-owned land where many sites are under-utilised or have buildings coming to the end of their economic life.

Totalling around 21 acres in size, these include Tommyfield Market, the Civic Centre, Oldham Police Station, the former Oldham Sports Centre, Magistrates’ Court, and the current Oldham Coliseum Theatre.

The plans will see the town centre transformed into a thriving place where more residents want to live and spend leisure time. This will be supported by housing and schools and provide a stronger local economy where businesses want to invest.

The benefits will be the building of new homes, new/refurbished employment space and economic activity worth an estimated extra £50million each year to Oldham’s economy.

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.”

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