Investing in our future is important for building on our past, and preserving the history of markets is close to a lot of people’s hearts across the country, but especially in Oldham. Our market charter was granted in 1849 as its industrial might was booming, already at this point home to around 200 cotton mills and the many thousands who worked in them.
While the market has evolved over time, I am glad that it still remains a central point of our community. That is why I am delighted that part of the new £20million funding will be directed to supporting relocated traders from the Tommyfield market to the shopping centre, and to developing a new outdoor market in George Square.
There has been significant engagement between the councils and traders and while change can be unsettling the truth is that this investment is essential or else we face an ever declining trade when faced with low cost online retailers often seeking similar goods.
The future has to bring our market into the heart of the town sitting alongside the shopping centre, food outlets and events hall, all adding to a focus to drive footfall.
Heritage matters, and we must protect this by preserving and being proud of our market, and of course shopping in it!
Jim McMahon OBE MP 