Inside the bustling new £40m Oldham market – and what traders who’ve been at the former Tommyfield Market for 40 years make of their shiny new setting
The town of Oldham, located in Greater Manchester, is buzzing with excitement as the new £40m Oldham Market has finally opened its doors. The town’s beloved former Tommyfield Market, where some traders have been serving customers for more than 40 years, has been transformed into a modern and vibrant market place.
As I wandered through the market, I couldn’t help but be struck by the energy and enthusiasm of the traders. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, the market was bustling with shoppers eager to explore the new stalls and offerings.
The new market, which covers an impressive 35,000 square feet, boasts 180 stalls selling a wide array of goods including fresh produce, meat, fish, clothing, household items, and much more. It’s no surprise that it has quickly become a popular spot for both locals and visitors alike.
The modernization of the market has been a long-awaited and much-needed change for the town of Oldham. The former Tommyfield Market, which had been in operation since the 1980s, was starting to look a bit tired and outdated. But now, with a sleek and modern design, the new market is attracting a younger demographic while still maintaining its loyal customer base.
As I chatted with some of the traders who had been at the old market for decades, I could sense their excitement and pride for the new market. They spoke of the challenges they faced during the construction phase but were quick to add that it was all worth it when they saw the finished product.
“It’s a dream come true for us,” said John, who has been selling fresh produce at the market for over 45 years. “We’ve been waiting for this for a long time and now we finally have a market that we can truly be proud of.”
The new market also offers state-of-the-art facilities for both traders and customers. From modern public restrooms to a comfortable seating area for shoppers to take a break, every aspect has been carefully designed to provide a pleasant shopping experience for all.
Katie, who has been a regular customer at the old market for years, exclaimed, “I love the new market! It’s so bright and airy, and there are so many new stalls to explore. I can’t wait to come back with my family and friends.”
But the highlight of the new market has to be the food court. With a variety of cuisines to choose from, including traditional English dishes as well as more exotic options, it has quickly become a go-to spot for locals to grab a bite to eat. The seating area, which overlooks the bustling market stalls, provides a perfect spot to enjoy a meal and people-watch.
The traders at the new market also appreciate the changes and are confident that it will attract more business. “The new market is a game-changer for us,” said Lucy, who has been selling clothing for over 30 years. “The facilities are top-notch, and the increased footfall means better sales for us.”
As I concluded my visit to the new Oldham Market, I couldn’t help but feel optimistic about the future of the town. The new market has not only brought a much-needed facelift to the area but has also injected a sense of excitement and energy.
With the combination of old and new traders, a variety of goods and services, and a modern and inviting space, the new Oldham Market is sure to become a staple in the community for years to come. The traders, who have seen the market evolve over the years, are confident that this is just the beginning of a new era for the town’s market scene.
So, if you haven’t had the chance to visit the new Oldham Market yet, I highly recommend that you do. Come and see for yourself the transformation that has taken place and support the local traders who have been at the heart of the community for so many years. You won’t be disappointed.
