Spindles redevelopment hailed for most innovative offices in the North

Oldham Council and the team behind the ‘ground- breaking’ Spindles renovation have been presented with the British Council of Offices’ (BCO) northern Innovation Award.

The presentation in the new office space saw representatives from construction company Willmott Dixon, architects AEW, project management lead Hive, quantity surveyor Gleeds, and interior designers SpaceInvader, present the trophy to Leader of Oldham Council Councillor Arooj Shah, and Chief Executive Shelley Kipling. 

Recognised as a benchmark for innovation in reimagining town centre spaces, when Spindles is officially fully open, the 450,000 square foot development will also be home to a new indoor market and food hall, flexible offices, event space and heritage archive. 

BCO judges recognised the building’s ‘ground-breaking, adaptive reuse of a building that has transformed a struggling 1990s shopping centre’. 

They said: "Oldham Spindles is an innovative project that reimagines urban regeneration, proving that underutilised retail spaces can be repurposed for modern office environments. 

“It sets a bold precedent for repurposing failing retail assets into thriving workspaces.  

“A combination of architectural ingenuity, sustainability, and social impact makes it a worthy recipient of the BCO Innovation Award, showcasing a transformative model for urban regeneration.” 

Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: "This recognition for Spindles is a huge moment of pride for Oldham.  

“The Spindles redevelopment is just one part of our wider regeneration Building a Better Oldham programme, including the creation of 2,000 new homes, the restoration of the Old Library building, Oldham Coliseum, and the groundbreaking Northern Roots project. 

“Oldham is a town on the up and our time is now, investing in our existing buildings while creating modern spaces that will increase jobs, and drive people into the town centre.  

“This award belongs to the whole town, and it shows the confidence others are starting to share in Oldham’s future." 

Shelley Kipling, Chief Executive of Oldham Council, added: "This award is a fantastic recognition of the ambition we have for Oldham.  It shows that our bold vision for the town centre is not only working but is being recognised as some of the best across the North. 

“The Spindles redevelopment demonstrates how we can take underused spaces and turn them into something innovative and useful. 

“Alongside projects like the JR Clynes Building, the new market, the new event space, and the hugely successful Egyptian Room, it’s another step in creating a town centre we can all be proud of - a place where more people want to live, work, and visit." 

Creating opportunities for local people has been at the heart of the Spindles regeneration. Willmott Dixon, alongside its supply chain partners have delivered 271 weeks of apprenticeship training and 117 weeks of work experience as well as creating seven T-level student placements for local young people from Oldham College. 

Chris Baker, Operations Manager at Willmott Dixon, commented: "As an Oldham-based company, we are really proud to play our part in shaping the future of the town centre alongside Oldham Council. 

“This award recognises the real team effort of local businesses that have come together to ensure Oldham is leading the way when it comes to reimagining town centres.” 

A delegation from the council will now travel to London on October 7th for the national BCO Awards. 

Phil Hepworth, Director at AEW Architects, said: “To have been selected for the Innovation Award against the entire pool of finalists is a fantastic achievement. It’s a testament to the collaborative efforts behind the project and the whole team’s commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining the workplace.” 

Paul Mann, North England Regional Director at Gleeds, comments: “Spindles, the latest high street repurposing in the conversion of Spindles Shopping Centre is the next progressive step to making the town centre a place to live, work and play. It follows the completion of the Metrolink Extension from Manchester in 2014 and the investment in a new leisure facility, repurposing the Old Town hall in in 2016. 

"It’s been a great 4-year journey of involvement with this transformational project, which will have an untold impact on the town and people of Oldham. This award is very much deserved for the innovative approaches that were central to the project’s success. Gleeds enjoyed being part of the collaborative team that delivered Spindles and look forward to seeing it become a thriving hub for the local community for many years to come.” 

John Williams, SpaceInvader Director & Founder, said: “Spindles is a perfect example of how high street assets can be reimagined with innovation and purpose. By blending contemporary workspace with community-centric design, this project breathes new life into the heart of Oldham. It’s been a privilege to work alongside such a forward-thinking council, truly committed to creating spaces that serve both people and place. The recognition from the BCO is testament to the ambition and impact of a regeneration project designed to directly benefit the Oldham community.” 

Natalie Palframan, Procure Partnerships Framework’s Key Account Manager (North) added: “The Spindles redevelopment has transformed Oldham’s town centre and stands as a fantastic example of regeneration that delivers real social value for the local community. We are delighted to see this project recognised with such a prestigious award, which is a testament to the hard work and collaboration of everyone involved.”