Oldham's transformation begins as work starts on £28m scheme next to Metrolink

A New Dawn for Oldham

The skyline of Oldham is beginning a remarkable transition that promises to reshape the heart of the town for generations to come. As of early September 2026, the quiet hum of construction equipment has replaced the stillness at Prince’s Gate, signaling the start of a transformative £28 million regeneration project. This milestone represents far more than just bricks and mortar; it is the physical manifestation of a long-term vision to breathe new life into the town centre, turning a strategic location next to the Oldham Mumps Metrolink stop into a vibrant, modern hub. For those who live and work in the region, the arrival of this development offers a tangible sense of hope and renewal, marking the official commencement of a journey toward a more sustainable and prosperous future.

Partnership for Local Growth

At the core of this ambitious undertaking is a collaborative spirit between Oldham Council and their development partner, Muse. This joint effort is designed to address the needs of the community while setting a high bar for urban regeneration across the North of England. By combining public sector vision with the expertise of a dedicated development partner, the project seeks to move beyond traditional construction and create spaces that truly function for the people who reside there. The decision to break ground at Prince’s Gate is no accident, as the proximity to the Metrolink station ensures that residents are seamlessly connected to the wider region, while simultaneously serving as an anchor for the surrounding town centre. This partnership is built on the philosophy that development must be community-focused, ensuring that the final outcome reflects the unique character and aspirations of Oldham itself.

Investing in Our Future

While the initial phase at Prince’s Gate represents a significant £28 million investment, it is essential to understand that this project acts as a vital spark for a much larger engine. This scheme is merely the opening chapter of a broader £285 million investment programme that will ripple across the entire town. The commitment shown by the council to this scale of funding demonstrates a deep-seated belief in the potential of Oldham to evolve into a dynamic, mixed-use environment. By focusing on the fundamentals of housing and connectivity, the town is positioning itself to be a desirable destination for both families and professionals. The scale of the overall plan, which aims to deliver up to 2,000 new homes across the town centre, illustrates the sheer ambition of the council’s roadmap. This is a deliberate, staged approach to urban growth that prioritises long-term stability over short-term gains, ensuring that each new development complements the next.

Prioritising Social Housing

Central to the ethos of this regeneration is the commitment to inclusivity, with the first phase of the development placing a specific emphasis on providing essential social housing. Delivering 331 new homes at the Prince’s Gate site is a crucial step toward meeting the diverse housing needs of local residents. By ensuring that the initial wave of development provides high-quality, modern living spaces, the partners are making it clear that the future of the town centre is built on a foundation of fairness. These homes are designed to be part of a broader strategy that will ultimately see thousands of new properties added to the area. This push for residential growth is intended to keep the town centre alive and thriving throughout the day, shifting the area away from single-use commercial dominance toward a sustainable, resident-led community that feels like home.

The Engine of Economy

The impact of this project extends well beyond the construction site, serving as a powerful engine for local economic renewal. With 1,000 new jobs expected to be created through the initiative, the project is a direct investment in the livelihoods of local people. Furthermore, the inclusion of 100 apprenticeships ensures that the next generation of workers is given a pathway into the industry, gaining valuable skills while building their own town. The ripple effects of this activity will be felt across the local economy as new retail, cultural, and leisure spaces are integrated into the masterplan. These features are specifically intended to bolster the night-time economy, making the town centre a place where people choose to spend their evenings, dine, and socialise. By fostering an environment where residents live, work, and play in close proximity, the regeneration plan aims to create a self-sustaining cycle of economic health.

Creating a Better Place

Every decision made throughout the planning of this regeneration effort has been guided by the "Creating a Better Place" framework. This guiding light focuses on the creation of sustainable, mixed-use neighbourhoods that break away from outdated urban models. Instead of isolated blocks of flats, the vision is to build an environment that is attractive, functional, and deeply connected. The masterplan highlights the importance of public wellbeing by including plans for a significant new linear park. This green space is more than an aesthetic improvement; it is a commitment to biodiversity and the physical and mental health of the community. As residents navigate the town centre, they will be met with a greener, more welcoming environment that encourages walking and social interaction, fostering a sense of pride in the place they call home.

A Commitment to Sustainability

In an era where environmental responsibility is paramount, Oldham is leading by example through its alignment with the council’s Green New Deal. The project aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, a challenging but vital goal that permeates every aspect of the new construction. From the energy efficiency of the new homes to the integration of sustainable transport links at the Mumps Metrolink, the development is designed to reduce the collective carbon footprint of the town. The linear park also plays a role in this strategy, providing a natural buffer and improving local biodiversity. By embedding sustainability into the very DNA of the project, Oldham is ensuring that its regeneration is not just modern, but future-proof. This is a model for how towns in the North of England can transform themselves while actively contributing to national environmental targets.

Looking Toward the Horizon

As the first phase of the Prince’s Gate scheme continues to take shape, the horizon for Oldham looks brighter than it has in years. The transition from an industrial heritage to a modern, resident-friendly town centre is a complex task, but the foundation laid in September 2026 is a testament to the resilience and vision of the region. The combination of new housing, job creation, and green infrastructure is paving the way for a vibrant future. While there is still a significant path ahead to fulfill the entirety of the £285 million investment programme, the progress seen so far is a powerful indicator of what can be achieved through partnership and long-term planning. Oldham is demonstrating that a town centre can be a place of beauty, opportunity, and community cohesion. For those who live here, the change is palpable, and for the rest of the country, it serves as a hopeful reminder that with the right investment and a clear vision, our towns can indeed be transformed for the better.