Market moving to new site in heart of town centre

A popular weekend market is getting a new home in the heart of a town centre, council bosses have announced. Oldham's Saturday outdoor market, which currently operates at the rear of Tommyfield Market Hall, will move to George Square, the new site at the side of the redeveloped Spindles.

The council said design work was now underway to accommodate the move, adding the change would also create a new outdoor space for the town centre when the market isn't trading.

It's also been confirmed a demolition notification has now been submitted for the Tommyfield Market building, paving the way for the new indoor market in the Spindles and a five-acre park in the town centre.

Councillor Arooj Shah, leader of Oldham Council, said: "George Square is a fantastic location for our much-loved Saturday outdoor market - close to both the high street and Spindles, the bus station, car parks and Metrolink stops.

"It will bring new life to this part of the town centre and will perfectly complement our redeveloped Spindles including our new market which is due to open next spring. Oldham is a market town - it's a key part of our history - and I'm really proud our markets continue to play an important role in our future."

The initial timescale for the move is expected to be late 2025.

Stalls will be positioned throughout George Square - the garden area between Spindles and the police station - running down to the top of George Street, which is home to many independent businesses.

Zubair Hussain, an outdoor market trader representative, said: "Our new location looks very promising, and we look forward to continuing to work with the council to develop the plans, and making the project the best it can be. Oldham outdoor market is a vibrant and