Sneak peek at brand new Greater Manchester market

Traders in Oldham are gearing up for their ‘big move’ from the borough’s historic market location into a brand new space in the town centre.

The new market next to Spindles shopping centre is currently being kitted out with signs and specialist equipment ahead of its expected opening in September. 

Oldham Council shared a ‘sneak peek’ of the progress being made. Clips of the new venue show a welcoming foyer with wood-finish bleacher seats that lead up to a mezzanine-style upper floor overlooking the glass-fronted entrance. 

The trading space on the upper and lower floors has been partitioned into around 70 stalls of differing sizes, with one brandishing the sign for Dentons Jewellers. Most of the stalls are yet to be furnished with shelves, tills, and branding, with work due to take place in the coming weeks. 

The glimpse into the market also reveals some swanky design details, such as burnt orange matchstick tiles and perforated barriers around the mezzanine level. 

Tommyfield traders will move to the new venue on the former site of TJ Hughes as part of a town centre rejig. The old Tommyfield market building, which has suffered for some time with a leaky roof, will be demolished to make way for a town centre park. 

In an interview shared by Oldham Council, Mark Crossley, a trader from Crossley’s Fish, shows off his new space in the market hall. 

Crossley said: “After 37 years trading on the hill at Tommyfield Market it’s time for a new upgrade. Here we are in our brand new market hall which is currently being prepared for our arrival. 

“This is my space for Crossley’s Fish. Not a great deal to see at the minute, but soon we’ll have new counters, new fridges, new freezers and it’s going to look absolutely fantastic

“Like all the traders, myself and my partner can’t wait to get down here and trade and see customers old and new. We’re so excited.”

But the Tommyfield traders also urged customers to remember they would still be at the old site until the move officially takes place. 

Mary Comer, who has been trading at the market under Mary’s bedding for 48 years said: “We will be trading here until we start our new adventure. All the traders need this, so please come down to Tommyfield Market and support us until we do our big move.” 

New Tommyfield Market off Spindles shopping centre, Oldham. Credit: Sean Hansford