Food market plans for Oldham's town hall

Oldham Council has submitted plans to transform part of its town hall into a food market.

Situated in the Egyptian Rooms of the Old Town Hall, the casual dining market would feature six food and drink concessions, catering for around 200 people with both inside and outside seating, including a covered alfresco dining area on Parliament Square.

Following a £37m redevelopment, the Grade II-listed Old Town Hall was transformed from a derelict building into a seven-screen Odeon cinema, Nando's and Molino Lounge. The council has now applied for permission to redevelop the room and is in discussions with potential operators.

The council has also submitted a bid to the government's Future High Street Fund to support the delivery of the food market.

If approved, work will begin on the Egyptian Rooms later this year with a planned opening of summer 2021.

Councillor Sean Fielding, council leader and cabinet member for economy and skills, said: "Coronavirus has had a huge impact on Oldham – which is why it's more important than ever to do everything we can to create investment, jobs and opportunities for people. We look forward to hearing the outcome of the Future High Street Fund which will enable us to deliver key regeneration projects to help our town build back better."

Sacha Lord, night time economy adviser for Greater Manchester, said: "Now, even during these challenging times, I'm delighted the Egyptian Rooms are progressing. Not only will it create many jobs but could also become a nucleus to make other independents flourish, as we have seen with food halls in other areas of Greater Manchester."