Work gets underway on ‘gamechanging’ project that could bring more than 700 jobs to Oldham

Work has started on a ‘game changing’ new industrial development in Oldham that promises to create hundreds of jobs. Contractors have broken ground at the Hollinwood site, which will soon be turned into 192,000 sq ft of new warehousing and manufacturing space across 13 industrial units.

The construction next to Junction 22 of the M60, on the site of a former gas-holder, is the biggest phase of a multi-million pound project to transform Hollinwood Junction into a major employment hub. In total, the project is expected to deliver more than 720 jobs, along with new homes, shops and leisure facilities.

This phase of the council-driven scheme, spearheaded by developers Langtree, is expected to be completed by July 2026.

The project, which has been welcomed by Oldham Council as a ‘strong message of growth’, also includes around 150 family homes built off the newly-constructed Albert Street. Earlier phases of the development have already brought the area a new Costa drive-thru, with a new Lidl store currently under construction.

Council boss Arooj Shah, who joined project leaders at the site to mark the start of the work, said: “This is an important moment for one of our biggest projects, and I’m pleased work is now starting on site. “The high quality of this development shows that Oldham is attracting serious investors and businesses.

“It also sends a strong message that our borough is a place full of opportunities and growth. “I’m looking forward to seeing the progress and to welcoming new businesses who choose Oldham for its great location and skilled workforce.”

The project is being backed by industrial investment firm Indurent, who have offered a £25m starting boost, and construction work is being carried out by Russell WBHO.

Josh Downes, an executive director at Langtree, added: “This will be a game changer for Oldham. The ability to provide a range of modern industrial units to occupiers is not just key to attracting ambitious, forward-looking employers, but also to helping existing Oldham-based SMEs expand in the town. Small and mid-sized businesses are the engine room of any local economy so fostering indigenous growth makes perfect sense.”