New MDC approved

A new ‘rocketbooster’ could turbo-charge major changes in Oldham over the next decade. This could see a new indoor arena built, thousands of new homes, and millions of pounds of investment.

Earlier this week, leaders of Oldham’s various political parties gave the thumbs up for the creation of a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), a partnership between Oldham council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) that will look to fuel further growth in the town centre.

Those plans have also now been approved by Greater Manchester Mayor Bev Craig, subject to GMCA approval later this month.

The MDC in Oldham has been modelled off the one created in Stockport which is regarded as a blueprint for delivering town centre regeneration in the UK. The council leader there Coun Mark Roberts recently described the MDC as a ‘rocketbooster’ that has driven investment forward, including major infrastructure projects like the Stockport Interchange bus station.

If approved by the GMCA, the proposed MDC for Oldham will go to the UK Government and Parliament for approval. If everything goes according to plan, Oldham council hopes to set up the MDC in early 2027.

Overseeing the delivery of major investment will be a board made up of an independent chair, three non-executive directors with private sector experience, a senior officer from both the council and the GMCA, as well as representatives from Oldham’s three largest parties. This is currently Labour, Reform, and the Oldham Group.

Town hall bosses hope that by having political representation on the board, this will provide investors with reassurance going forward they can put their money into Oldham and see a return. There will still be public oversight with public engagements over plans as well as future planning applications.

There are three elements to the council’s current plans under the MDC. One is a new “Sports Town” around Oldham Athletic Football Club which could include plans for a 5,000-capacity indoor arena and conference space close to Royal Oldham Hospital.

Another element is building on the refurbishment of the Oldham Coliseum and investing in Oldham’s historic town centre. The local authority is currently looking at revamping five historic buildings on Union Street including the Prudential Building as well as the old Post Office.

The final element is building on the Northern Roots urban farm project and expanding that further. Northern Roots is due to open next week.

Developer Muse also wants to deliver 2,000 new homes in the town centre across six sites including the former Oldham Civic Centre, Oldham Mumps, and the former Magistrates Court. Prince’s Gate, one of the first major developments, recently began construction.

While MDCs have to operate in a particular boundary with Oldham’s running from the town centre down to Alexandra Park, sections of the River Medlock valley, and Oldham Edge, town hall bosses are keen to stress the impact will be felt across the borough.

It is hoped the Sports Town will lead to wider investment in sports facilities. The local authority may also look to use the investment by the MDC in the town centre to free up other resources the council has to invest in a number of buildings across the borough.

This could include the Diggle Clock Tower, the Chadderton Wellbeing Centre, as well as Failsworth Library.

A GMCA 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.

Emma Barton, the council’s deputy chief executive for Place said: “We have been observing how other GM authorities have established their MDCs, and we are keen to learn and share from best practice elsewhere, to ensure Oldham’s MDC is effective and efficient from the very start.

“Oldham’s MDC is about accessing new investment opportunities to support the acceleration of delivering the changes our communities, residents and businesses have been asking for, and deserve. Better transport connections, new homes, job opportunities, more cultural activity and retention and refurbishment of the beautiful but empty heritage buildings.

“It’s having that private sector voice around the table, to support and collaborate with us in a new style partnership. The MDC Chair and non-executives will have relevant expertise, experience and contacts within their networks to open doors that would not otherwise get opened for Oldham.

“This MDC opportunity is huge because this is the next delivery big ticket item linked to the continued Greater Manchester Devolution. We want to ensure we grasp every opportunity to secure necessary funding for Oldham and we are excited that the new Mayor continues to support Good Growth in all areas of Greater Manchester – with the same mindset as the previous Mayor.

“Without this, Oldham would struggle to secure investment funding and important opportunities and much needed capital works would miss out.”