A popular town centre play area is moving round the corner to a temporary new home while works get underway on a brand new replacement.
The play area outside Primark, which has entertained youngsters for years, is being relocated for a few months to help us transform the existing play park as part of Oldham’s ongoing regeneration.
The pop-up play area will be slightly further up the High Street – outside Holland & Barrett – and will open in time for Christmas.
And then in summer 2025, a brand new playground will open outside Primark again, with lots of new equipment for youngsters to enjoy.
Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of the Council, said: “We want to make sure Oldham is a welcoming place for all ages and we recognise how popular this play area is and how well it is used by families.
“It gives youngsters a dedicated, safe space where they can have fun and fresh air while they’re in the town centre. While we replace this existing play area, we have decided to create a temporary one nearby, to ensure there is always a play facility until the new playground is completed.
“We’re transforming Oldham and there’s so much to look forward to. Your new-look town centre will also soon include an amazing new park with lots of green space all around it for children to enjoy and explore.
“In the meantime, please do continue to use these free facilities and make the most of our town centre with your family.”
Little ones will be able to enjoy new swings and a slide at the temporary play area. Unfortunately we have to retire the existing equipment outside Primark as a survey showed it’s now reached the end of its lifespan.
The play area’s relocation is also enabling the next phase of the Accessible Oldham project to continue.
The scheme is improving public areas across the town centre to make it easier to walk and cycle. It’s also boosting the environment with new trees, plants and eco-friendly features.
Completed phases include the work around the bus station, Hilton Square near Tommyfield Market Hall and the new green space at Rock Street. The demolition of the former Snipe Inn pub is complete and work to create a brand new entrance into the town centre continues.
Once the new and improved play area opens, the pop-up play area will close and the equipment will be reused in another area of the borough.
For more information on Oldham’s transformation, visit oldham.gov.uk/regen
