Construction starts on major new scheme

Construction is ‘fully underway’ at a major £28m scheme to deliver 75 new affordable homes in the centre of Oldham.

Prince’s Gate is a major regeneration scheme being moved forward by Oldham Council and developer Muse to transform the car park next to the Oldham Mumps Metrolink stop in Oldham town centre. Ultimately the plan is to provide 331 new homes for people living in the borough but the social homes will be built first.

As part of the development, there will also be commercial space created as well as ‘a high-quality public realm that integrates with the surrounding area utilising a series of green spaces which invite residents and the public alike to dwell, play and socialise within a natural green setting’.

Willmott Dixon, alongside Legal & General Affordable Homes, will be delivering the first phase of the project which is a major step forward for the local authority’s regeneration plans for the town. This comes with a promise of £285m worth of investment, more than 2,000 new homes, 1,000 new jobs, and 100 apprenticeships.

The scheme is being delivered with the support of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s (GMCA) Good Growth Fund which was awarded in 2025. Construction is now fully underway following initial ground investigations and works earlier this year.

Those backing the project said it was become ‘a welcoming new gateway to Oldham’ and is the first of six schemes to move forward. It is expected to be finished in the summer of 2028.

Emma Barton, Deputy Chief Executive (Place) at Oldham Council, said: “The strong progress of construction at Prince’s Gate is an important milestone for Oldham, made possible through the strength of the partnership we have built with Muse and our delivery partners.

“By bringing together experienced partners around a shared commitment to quality, sustainability and local need, we can deliver affordable homes that support our town centre regeneration ambitions and create a future for Oldham that we can all be proud to share.”

Alex Vogel, Senior Development Manager at Muse, said: “Muse is delighted to see main construction progressing at Prince’s Gate, a key new gateway into Oldham town centre and an important first step in the wider regeneration programme.

“This progress reflects the value of partnership delivery. Working with Oldham Council, Legal & General Affordable Homes, Willmott Dixon and other experienced partners gives us the right platform to deliver high-quality, energy-efficient affordable homes while creating opportunities for local residents, businesses and supply chains.”

The council’s regeneration plans could be given another boost as plans for a new Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) look set to be given the go ahead after public feedback found overwhelming support. An MDC is a partnership with the GMCA which allows councils to power ahead with investment in town centres, one famous example being the one created in Stockport which now looks to bring £2bn into the town.

According to a published notice, Greater Manchester Mayor Bev Craig is expected to make a decision on the MDC for Oldham later this month. A survey found 83.4 per cent of online respondents supported the creation of the MDC, while 80.9pc agreed or strongly agreed that it would support development, growth and improvement.

However there were concerns about accountability, the area covered by the partnership, green spaces, and making sure benefits were felt across the borough and not just in the town centre. In response, the GMCA said they had made changes to reflect this as well as explain how the plans will benefit the whole of Oldham.