A new residential heart of Oldham
Civic Centre
The Civic Centre site is set to be transformed into a dynamic mixed-use neighbourhood, offering new homes, commercial spaces, and a revitalised town centre for Oldham.
Located within the Civic and Residential Quarter, this site sits at the heart of the town, bound by Rochdale Street to the west, New Radcliffe Street to the north, West Street to the south, and Cheapside and Oldham Bus Station to the east. Beyond the bus station lies the town’s vibrant retail and leisure hub.
The proposals for this site have been developed alongside the proposals for the Former Magistrates’ Court located immediately to the south. These sites are closely aligned, and the indicative designs reflect this through careful consideration of the interactions and interfaces between them. Once developed the area will be experienced as part of a unified neighbourhood which shares a common design language and promotes seamless movement between the sites.
Civic Centre site highlighted in red
Location and Connectivity
The site is well connected, with access to key areas of Oldham and the surrounding area. To the east lies the town centre, including the retail and leisure areas. The site is located within the Civic and Residential Quarter, which includes several key heritage assets, such as the former Magistrates’ Court, Manchester Chambers, and Oldham Leisure Centre.
Background
The Civic Centre is identified in the Draft Local Plan and Development Framework as a site for housing development. The current plans, propose up to 838 homes, with a mix of residential units and commercial spaces on the ground floor to create a vibrant mixed-use community. This will build on the surrounding neighbourhood’s character, particularly the nearby Former Magistrates’ Court site, ensuring seamless integration into the wider area.
Proposals
The proposals for the site include a phased development that integrates both residential and commercial elements. Key features of the plans include:
Residential
Up to 838 new homes, providing a variety of unit types to cater to different housing needs
Commercial
Ground-floor commercial units designed to improve the streetscape and bring new life to the area
Public Realm
Thoughtful landscaping and public spaces to create a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike
Sketch of proposed Civic Centre plan
The redevelopment will respect the site’s heritage, particularly the Civic Tower, which is an iconic local landmark. Efforts are underway to retain and repurpose the tower, with the possibility of transforming it into a hotel.
The proposals for the Civic Centre site offer modern, energy-efficient homes built from high quality materials that will meet the needs of residents now and in the future.
Landscaping is key to making the development feel like a real community; a place to call home. The proposals include planting greenery that feels natural, with spaces for relaxation, play, and connection to the outdoors.
At the heart of the development is a wide, landscaped neighbourhood boulevard. This central space is designed to bring people together, offering easy access to homes, shared spaces, and local amenities.
The proposal includes four mid-rise buildings arranged around courtyards, creating a safe, communal feel and offering plenty of light and space. Two taller buildings are included, closer to the bus station, carefully designed to complement the iconic Civic Tower, making sure the scale of the whole area works together in harmony.
Your views are important. The feedback we received during this consultation will shape the future of Oldham Town Centre. We will update you with the outcome of this consultation in the coming weeks.
Find out about our other proposals below
