Official date set for Oldham Archives move to the Spindles

History lovers are invited to celebrate a landmark moment as Oldham Archives officially opens at the Spindles Shopping Centre.

The archives service, previously based at 84 Union Street before moving to a temporary home within Oldham Library, has a new permanent home. 

From Monday, September 29, the new archives centre will be based at the Parliament Square end of Spindles with its entrance on Ascroft Street and it will be officially opened this Saturday (September 27), fittingly as part of the Nostalgic Oldham day of celebrations in the town. 

From 10am to 4pm, visitors can enjoy a fascinating programme of activities at a special Oldham Archives Open Day, and the new centre will be proudly declared open by the Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Eddie Moores at 2pm. 

On the day, visitors will be able to browse a selection of archives and local studies treasures (pictured below), explore historical maps, listen to oral histories from a brand-new sound kiosk and join the centre's archivist on a tour of a new purpose-built archives store. 

The store will hold 425 cubic metres of archives and local studies materials – that’s the equivalent of four and a quarter double decker buses.  

This new archives space means that, for the first time in around 50 years, visitors will be able to explore these captivating materials all in one place. 

Working with the racking company Bruynzeel, custom-made mobile shelving has been installed to make the best use of space, and to ensure there is room to grow the collections over the next 10 years. 

If people have a burning question about Oldham’s history, or want to find out how to start researching their family tree, a member of the team will be happy to help at the Heritage Help Desk. 

While Saturday’s open day won’t feature the full research service, staff will be on hand to explain how the archives will operate from the new location and answer any questions about accessing the collections. 

This is a unique opportunity to meet the archives team and be part of a new chapter in the town’s history. 

Councillor Moores said: “Oldham has a rich and fascinating history, and it’s wonderful to see the archives opening in such a central location in the heart of the town centre. This move gives us a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our heritage, and I’m proud to officially open the doors as part of Nostalgic Oldham day.” 

Councillor Peter Dean, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure added: “This is a hugely exciting new chapter for Oldham Archives. The move to the Spindles will hopefully allow even more of our residents to explore the collections and discover the many ways Oldham's history connects to their own lives.” 

Although some collections are still being transferred, there will be lots to offer visitors. The archives service will be open from 10am—5pm from Monday to Friday and 10am—1pm on Saturdays. 

The opening is part of the wider regeneration of the Spindles, breathing new life into one of Oldham’s most central spaces while making the town’s history more accessible than ever.