Town Centre Action Plan Update - Oldhamcommittees.oldham.gov.uk/documents/s21735/Town Centre Action...

OLDHAM TOWN CENTRE PARTNERSHIP BOARD

Town Centre Action Plan Update

Report of Economy, Place and Skills Portfolio Holder: Cllr David Hibbert, Transport and Regeneration 18 April 2012 Officer Contact: Sara Hewitt, Town Centre Manager Ext. 0161 770 4516 Purpose of Report To provide an update on the delivery of the Town Centre Action Plan (New Information since the last meeting on the 8 February is indicated in bold) Recommendations That the Town Centre Partnership Board: 1. Reviews the progress being made in delivering the actions 2. Reviews the delivery of its projects against the milestones 3. Notes the progress being made in the delivery of partners’ projects 4. Provides comments

Page 2 of 30 Town Centre Action Plan Update 18.04.12

Oldham Town Centre Partnership Board 18.04.12 Town Centre Action Plan Update 1 Background 1.1 The Town Centre Management initiative seeks to promote the vitality and

viability of the Town Centre and maintain its role as the ‘heart’ of Oldham. It is a co-ordinated and pro-active approach to ensuring the Town Centre is a desirable and attractive place.

1.2 The Town Centre Partnership delivers this initiative. It is an association of key

public and private sector interests in the Town Centre. 1.3 The Town Centre Action Plan guides the work of the Town Centre Partnership

and its individual members. It sets-out a series of actions/measures for the delivery of the Town Centre Management initiative over a 3-year period.

1.4 The current Town Centre Action Plan covers the period April 2010 - March

2013. 2 Current Position

OLDHAM TOWN CENTRE ACTION PLAN APRIL 2010 - MARCH 2013 Objective 1: Develop the variety and quality of the Town Centre offer

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Key Milestones Progress

Action 1: Raise the Town Centre’s profile as an investment location within Greater Manchester

1.1 Town Centre Investment Strategy This Strategy will set out a framework for future investment and identify key opportunities, particularly in the context of Metrolink

Revenue programme (2010/11 - 2013/14) - £350,000

Oldham Council Mark Lester

• Produce Prospectus and Investment Plan in April 2011

• Launch Prospectus in Oldham in March 2012

• Promote Prospectus in London in June 2012

As part of the Strategy, consultants Taylor Young produced a Prospectus document and Amion produced an Investment Plan in April 2011. The Prospectus was launched at an event with over 100 investors/developers at Gallery Oldham in March 2012. It sets-out land opportunities, support services and financial incentives for prospective investors/developers. The Prospectus will also be promoted to south east-based investors at an event in London in June 2012.

1.2 Town Centre Public Realm Strategy This Strategy will set out a framework for environmental improvements, particularly in the context of Metrolink and the Town Centre Investment project

Oldham Council: Capital programme (2010/11-2013/14) – £6.1 million

Oldham Council Stuart Walton

• Produce Public Realm Strategy in September 2011

• Submit planning applications for the public realm in May 2012

• Appoint build

Consultants Taylor Young produced the strategy in September 2011. Consultants Gillespies were appointed in February 2012 to design the public realm around the Metrolink stops. Alongside this, consultants BDP are producing a strategy for building illumination and feature lighting.


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contractor in June 2012

• Start build in July 2012

• Produce Lighting Strategy in August 2012

The Town Centre Partnership Chair is the Town Centre’s Public Realm Champion.

1.3 Old Town Hall The condition of this Grade II-listed building will be stabilised as part of work to secure its future use

Capital programme (2010/11 - 2012/13) – £700,000


• Complete works in Egyptian Rooms in February 2012

• Submit planning and listed building consent applications in August 2012

• Appoint operator in November 2012

• Start on site in January 2013

£700,000 of works to seal the roof of the Old Town Hall and make it safe were completed in December 2010. Works to make the Egyptian Room useable as a function venue, pending the Old Town Hall’s redevelopment, were also completed in February 2012. Consultants BDP were appointed in February 2012 to design a cinema or other leisure-based scheme for the building.

1.4 Co-op Petrol Station site Oldham Council

The derelict Co-op Petrol Station on John Street was demolished in September 2010.

1.5 Old Conservative Club building

Oldham Council

The vacant Conservative Club on Union Street was acquired in October 2011.

1.6 Town Centre District Heating programme Activities to improve the district heating infrastructure will be undertaken

European Regional Development Fund - £850,000 British Gas -

Oldham Council Adam Hackett

• Produce heating system study in 2011

Oldham Council and partners have appointed consultants Aecom to explore options for improving the Town Centre district heating plant (St Mary’s District heating system). They are looking at the installation of a new, biomass-fuelled boiler as well as network expansion opportunities with future


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developments. Cabinet approval for a preferred option will be sought in June 2012. The Association of Greater Manchester Authorities is also looking to secure Round 2, Regional Growth Funding to convert the boiler to a combined heat and power energy centre - ie, capable of generating both heat and electricity (approximately £2 million) and to expand the district heating pipe work as part of the Town Centre Investment project (approximately £1 million).

Action 2: Attract new commercial leisure uses into the Town Centre

2.1 Hotel Future project Proposal of a luxury hotel with training opportunities will be progressed

Oldham Council - £90,000

Joint-venture company Via Darren Jones (Oldham Council)

• Potentially, opening in 2015

The proposal is based around the establishment of a private sector-led joint-venture company, including Oldham Council. This would develop a 4*, 120-bed hotel with convention centre. Uniquely, it would be the UK’s 1st National Hospitality Training Academy, offering training opportunities for both those wanting to enter and those already in the hospitality industry. Cabinet approved £90,000 in February 2012 to undertake a feasibility study of the proposal. The preferred location for the proposed development is currently next to the Civic Centre off Rochdale Road, which would include a refurbished Queen Elizabeth Hall.

2.2 Oldham Sports Centre Oldham • Advertise Oldham Council’s sports and leisure facilities


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This building on Lord Street will either be refurbished or redeveloped

Council Cath Inchbold

contract in April 2012

• Appoint operator in August 2012

• Appoint design and build contractor in December 2012

• Let contract in April 2013

• Open new facility in 2014

are currently operated by Oldham Community Leisure. A new contract for the management of the estate will start in April 2013. Leisure advisors were appointed in August 2011. Cabinet agreed in March 2012 that, as part of the new contract, Oldham Sports Centre will be redeveloped to improve the offer as well as the building’s efficiency. The replacement facility will have a 25m 8-lane pool, learner pool, gym, 4-court sports hall, 4-lane bowling hall, 2 dance studios, and cafe. Preferred sites are still being explored.

Action 3: Develop the Mahdlo youth zone as a new Town Centre attraction

3.1 Mahdlo development A youth facility will be built on the Marjory Lees Health Centre site on Egerton Street

Government: My Place Fund (2010) – £5 million Oldham Council - Site

Mahdlo Helen Taylor

• Complete in March 2012

Mahdlo youth zone opened in March 2012. It is a private sector-led joint venture, involving Oldham Council. The 20,322 sq ft facility includes a sports hall with climbing wall, outdoor pitch, fitness suite, boxing gym, areas for dance, music, and recreation, and spaces for mentoring and enterprise activities. Around 400 young people aged 8 to 21 years will use the facility each night, which is open when schools are closed.

Action 4: Improve the Coliseum Theatre building

4.1 Oldham Coliseum Theatre improvements Improvements will be undertaken on the Fairbottom Street theatre

Capital Programme (2010/11 -2013/14) - £1.6 million

Oldham Coliseum Theatre David Martin

• Complete in October 2012

Structural works are needed on the Fairbottom Street theatre. At the moment, these are centred around the repair of the heating system and the removal of asbestos. Refurbishment works for the auditorium are also needed.


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The works began in January 2012. Meanwhile, the Coliseum is going ‘out and about’ to various venues and the box office has been relocated to 12 Albion Street. Oldham Council has also provided the Old Library on Union Street for office space. Options for a new Coliseum Theatre building are also being explored.

Action 5: Modernise the Tommyfield Markets offer

5.1 Tommyfield Markets modernisation programme A street market will be created on Albion Street and Curzon Street. New, specialist markets will also be held on the outdoor market site.

Capital programme (2009/10) – £475,000 Capital programme (2010/11-2013/14) – £363,000

Oldham Council Mark Lester

• Launch street market in July 2010

The Street Market was launched in July 2010. It has 27 stalls and operates on Fridays and Saturdays. Only 2 traders can sell the same product so as to ensure that there is variety. Improvements are currently underway on the outdoor market:

• Modern canopies on the brick units adjacent to the Market Hall were fitted in February 2011

• Demolition of the vacant, perimeter units was completed in October 2011, allowing customer car parking to increase to 163 spaces in the future

5.2 Market Hall incentives scheme Subsidised rent and advertising will be offered to new traders in the Market Hall

Tommyfield Markets Sharon Hibbert

• On-going New traders in the Market Hall are being offered a 3-month rent-free period (subject to certain conditions, such as them selling a new product line and operating for a minimum 1-year period). A free advert in the Oldham Evening Chronicle is also being given upon opening. Over the Rainbow (home-made cupcakes and


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cards) and Alesha’s (beauty and threading) opened in October 2011. Let’s Relocate (lettings agency) and La Reina’s (dry-cleaners) opened in November 2011. Magic Carpets and Caribbean cuisine opened in February 2012. Plans are currently being progressed for a Young Enterprise scheme that generates business start-ups in the Town Centre. The Oldham College would support young people in developing their business ideas (including through its Peter Jones Academy), Oldham Council would provide incentivised business space (such as rent-free periods on Tommyfield Markets) and the Oldham Business Leadership Group would offer mentoring.

Action 6: Grow the Town Centre’s further and higher educational institutions 6.1 Regional Science Centre

Oldham development Oldham Sixth

Form College State-of-the-art facilities for specialised

education and scientific research were created in April 2011.

Action 7: Tackle the negative, cumulative effect of hot-food take-aways in the secondary retail areas

7.1 Local Development Framework As part of this emerging document, planning policy to tackle the negative, cumulative effect of hot-food take-aways in the Town Centre will be proposed

Oldham Council Paul McGrath

• Council decision / Produce LDF in November 2011

Oldham Council has included a section entitled Food, Drink and Night-Time Economy Related Uses in Policy 15 (Centres) of the Local Development Framework, which was adopted in November 2011. This sets-out criteria against which proposals for food, drink and night-time economy related uses will be assessed. A draft Vibrant Centres Supplementary


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Planning Document (SPD) was produced in February 2012. It provides further guidance in relation to Food, Drink and the Night-Time Economy as well as to Shop and Business Frontage Design. During consultation for the SPD, the Town Centre Partnership submitted a letter of support in March 2012.

7.2 Licensing Policy Review

Oldham Council

As part of this, planning policy to tackle the negative, cumulative effect of hot-food take-aways in the Town Centre was proposed. This is currently on-hold.

Action 8: Mitigate the effects of the current economic climate on the Town Centre

8.1 Retail Therapy project Oldham Council

Independent retailers in the Town Centre received 1 to 1 advice from an internet trading expert and financial assistance to implement it. The project ended in October 2010.

8.2 SHOP project Oldham Council

Arts-based activities brought a vacant retail unit in the Town Centre into use (12 Albion Street). The project ended in July 2011.

8.4 One Oldham Business Awards 2012 This event will recognise and celebrate success in business within Oldham

Town Centre Partnership - £2,000

Oldham Business Leadership Group Via Imogen Fuller (Oldham Council)

• Awards in March 2012

The awards were held for a 4th year. The Town Centre Partnership sponsored the Retailer of the Year category. The event took place in March 2012. Alexander Jewellers (Huddersfield Road) was named Retailer of the Year. Musos and Cafe Lahore (both Town Centre businesses) were the 2 runners-up.

Objective 2: Develop the Town Centre’s connectivity


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Action 9: Expand Greater Manchester’s Metrolink light rail network into the heart of the Town Centre

9.1 Oldham/Rochdale Metrolink Line (part of ‘Phase 3a’) The Oldham/Rochdale Loop Line will be converted to Metrolink light rail

Government funding (2006) – £520 million for the ‘Phase 3a’ lines

Transport for Greater Manchester Alan Cayton

• Complete in summer 2012

Trams will run from Manchester City Centre to Oldham Town Centre every 6 minutes at peak times and every 12 minutes at off-peak times. Around 5,000 people will alight in the Town Centre every day. Construction is currently underway. The testing of trams on the track began in January 2012.

9.2 Oldham Town Centre Line (part of ‘Phase 3b’) On-street track will be created along Union Street with 3 stations:

• Oldham King Street on the Co-op funeral directors site

• Oldham Central next to Sainsbury’s - This will involve the closure of Union Street to traffic between Peter Street and Clegg Street

• Mumps Station on the B&Q site, which will have a bus interchange and 250-space park-and ride facility

Greater Manchester Transport Fund (2009) – £89 million

Transport for Greater Manchester Alan Cayton

• Start laying track in summer 2012

• Complete in spring 2014

Construction is currently underway in the King Street Station area:

• A link road has been created between Manchester Road and Oldham Way East

• A bridge structure is being created on John Street so that trams can go underneath it. - There is a temporary road diversion around these works.

• The Co-Op funeral parlour is being relocated to the former Pennine Way Hotel site

TFGM is currently consulting over a proposed application for a Transport and Works Act Order, which will update the statutory powers required to operate trams over modified sections of the Metrolink track in the Manchester Street area. The consultation runs from 1 February to 25 April. Construction is also underway in the new Mumps Station area:

• Works to divert utilities away from the track started in February 2011


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• The new Town Centre access route from Oldham Way opened in November 2011

• Track laying commenced in the area of the old Mumps roundabout in late 2011

TFGM distributed letters to all Town Centre businesses in March 2012, providing an update on construction and associated traffic management measures. This letter is attached as Appendix 1

Action 10: Mitigate the effects of Metrolink construction works on the Town Centre

10.1 Open as Usual initiative Activities will be taken forward that support Oldham being ‘open as usual’ in the Town Centre during Metrolink construction works

Transport for Greater Manchester - Oldham Council - Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre -

Transport for Greater Manchester Neil Harrison

• Install tri-signs in April 2011

• Launch website in April 2011

• Install Open as Usual signs in March 2012

5, large tri-signs explaining the Metrolink works and apologising for the disruption were installed in April 2011 at the sites of the 3 Metrolink stops, on the High Street and at the bottom of Yorkshire Street. Prior notification of traffic disruption is being given through:

• Letters distributed to all Town Centre businesses

• An electronic-message board, which is used at soon-to-be affected areas

• A dedicated website with linked Facebook and Twitter feeds that was created in April 2011 (www.oldham.gov.uk/info/200308/metrolink/844/disruptions_and_travel_alerts)

• Hand-bills produced by the Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre and distributed to shoppers

Traffic disruption is being minimised by:


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• Re-adjustment of traffic lights to maximise traffic flows

• Dedicated ‘Open As Usual’, purple signs that guide motorists into the central, Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre Car Parks were installed in March 2012

Action 11: Rationalise the Town Centre’s transport infrastructure as part of the arrival of Metrolink

11.1 Town Centre Sustainable Transport Strategy

Oldham Council

This Strategy will guide improvements to the transport system, particularly in the context of Metrolink. It is currently on-hold.

11.2 Town Centre Signage scheme Permanent signage in and around the Town Centre will be updated


• Consult TCP in TBC

The arrival of Metrolink has created a need to revise permanent signage both within and around the Town Centre. Officers are currently preparing a scheme, which encompasses Highway signage and pedestrian “finger-posts”. The Town Centre Partnership will be consulted on the proposed scheme.

11.3 Greater Manchester Plugged in Places project As part of this, electric vehicle charging points will be installed in the Town Centre

Government - Manchester Electric Car Company -

Manchester Electric Car Company Via Joanne Betts (Oldham Council)

• The Manchester Electric Car Company is a private sector- led joint-venture company, including Oldham Council. As part of the project, electric vehicle charging points are being installed in the Town Centre. 4 will be installed in a first phase at: Civic Centre Car Park, George Street taxi stand, Lord Street taxi stand, 71-73 Yorkshire Street, and Cromwell Street pay-and-display. This is currently on-hold.

11.4 Greater Manchester Commuter Cycle project As part of this, secure

Local Sustainable Transport Fund -

Transport for Greater Manchester

• Consult TCP in winter 2012

• Complete in 2014

As part of this project, a cycle compound is proposed for the Town Centre. It would have around 50 secure spaces for bikes as well as lockers for cycling equipment. Officers are


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cycle parking will be created in the Town Centre

Oldham Council - Site

Chris Grek currently identifying a suitable location and the Town Centre Partnership will be consulted on the proposal.

11.5 Shopmobility scheme The scheme will enable people with limited mobility to hire scooters for use within the Town Centre

Community Transport Oldham - £7,000 Oldham Council - £20,000 + premises

Community Transport Oldham Carl Schoolden

• On-going The scheme operates on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. It is located on St Mary’s Way, next to the outdoor market site. Manual wheelchairs as well as electric wheelchairs and scooters are available for hire. There are around 3,000 scooter-hires each year.

Action 12: Develop the Town Centre’s digital infrastructure

12.1 New Generation Broadband programme Ultra-fast broadband will be installed as part of Metrolink construction works

Manchester Digital Development Agency Via Jonathan Phillips (Oldham Council)

• Start fitting fibre in March 2012

Ultra-fast broadband cables will be fitted in ducts alongside the Metrolink tracks. They will have a 4 gigabyte capacity. Opportunities to provide appropriate connections with future developments are being explored as part of the Town Centre Investment project. Cabinet approval for a financial contribution to the project will be sought in April 2012.

12.2 Town Centre Wi-Fi project Wi-Fi enabled devices will be able to connect to the Internet free-of-charge in designated zones

Priority Investment Fund (2010) - £15,000

Oldham Council Jonathan Phillips

• Go live in October 2010

• On-going

Wi-Fi zones on the High Street, Curzon Street, Albion Street, Henshaw Street, West Street, and Cheapside went live in October 2010.

Objective 3: Improve environmental quality as well as safety and security in the Town Centre


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Action 13: Improve cleanliness in the ‘core’ of the Town

13.1 BID Caretaker

Oldham Business Improvement District

A caretaker was employed to supplement the Council’s street cleaning service in the BID area from Wednesday to Sunday. The post ended in March 2011.

13.2 BID Deep Clean contract

Oldham Business Improvement District

A contract to deep clean the pavements in the BID area was let twice a year to remove ingrained dirt and chewing-gum. The contract ended in March 2011.

13.3 Chewing-gum campaign 2012

Oldham Council

Work to tackle chewing gum litter was focused in the Town Centre in March 2012.

Action 14: Improve the appearance of the Town Centre’s main gateways, corridors and open spaces

14.1 Bloom and Grow initiative 2012 Permanent and temporary planting will be introduced

Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre - Tommyfield Markets - Oldham Business Improvement District - £20,000

Oldham Council Glenn Dale

• Install in May

• North West in Bloom judging: last 2 weeks in July

• Britain in Bloom judging: 1st 2 weeks in August

• Remove in September

• Announcement in October

Oldham will be entering the North West in Bloom competition for the 4th year running. The competition assesses horticultural achievement as well as community participation and environmental responsibility. Oldham has also been selected for the first time to take part in the Britain in Bloom competition, run by the Royal Horticultural Society. There have been 1,000 entries and Oldham is one of the 73 selected entrants. Details of Oldham Bloom and Grow entry will be announced soon.

14.2 St Mary’s Churchyard improvements Improvements will be undertaken on St Mary’s Churchyard

S106 funding: The Victory development - £33,562.53 Bloom and


• TBC The bushes in St Mary’s Churchyard have been cut-back and the gates mended so that they can be locked at night. There are also proposals to introduce new planting, benches and bins. Oldham Parish Church in conjunction with


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Grow - Oldham Council is currently preparing an application for a faculty (a licence) from the Salford Diocese to carry out the proposals.

14.3 George Street Gardens improvements Improvements will be undertaken on George Street Gardens

S106 funding: Cardinal Street development:- £31,149.08 Bloom and Grow -


• Consulted TCP in February 2010

• To be committed by 25 April 2012

14.4 Christmas Lights 2012 Christmas trees and lights will be installed at the Town Centre’s main gateways and on the corridors

Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre - Tommyfield Markets - Oldham Business Improvement District -

Oldham Council - John McAuley

• Install in September

• Remove in January

14.5 Oldham and Rochdale Street Lighting PFI Street lighting will be improved

£222 million Community Lighting Partnership Via John McAuley (Oldham Council)

• Appoint partner in January 2011

• Start works in Town Centre in summer 2015

Oldham and Rochdale Councils are working in partnership to realise efficiencies in the renewal of street lighting. The Community Lighting Partnership (led by E.ON) was appointed as the PFI delivery partner in January 2011. It will update street lighting, bollards and signs over the next 5 years and then maintain them for the following 20 years.

14.6 Town Centre Highway £200,000 Oldham • Complete 1st set Highway repairs focused around Market Place,


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Repairs Repairs to the highway and pavements will be undertaken

Council Phil Matley

of repairs in May 2011

• Complete War Memorial works in October 2011

• Complete 2nd set of repairs in April 2012

the High Street and the rear of Oldham Post Office were completed in May 2011. Repairs around and to the War Memorial were completed in October 2011. Repairs focused around the High Street, Lord Street (next to Oldham Post Office), the paving next to the War Memorial, and George Street are scheduled to take place in April 2012.

14.7 Time-Wash Oldham Council

The broken water feature on the High Street was removed in October 2010.

Action 15: Tackle shop-lifting

15.1 Police operations Covert and high-visibility policing will be undertaken

Greater Manchester Police Sgt. Cherie Dunn

See separate GMP report for update

15.2 Oldham Against Business Crime initiative This initiative is focused on tackling stock loss and night-time disorder, mainly in the BID area

Oldham Business Improvement District - £55,000 Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre - (radios) Tommyfield

Business Crime Reduction Partnership Sara Hewitt

• BID (funding) ended in March 2012

• Consult TCP on new radio system in TBC

This intelligence-led initiative was funded by the BID, which ended in March 2012 (see 19.4 for update). It involved information on known and suspected offenders being shared using the Town Centre Store and Nite Net radio systems as well as through weekly briefings. An exclusion notice scheme for prolific offenders was also run. The radio systems are still being run, although options around their upgrade are currently being explored. The Town Centre Partnership will be consulted on the


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Markets - (radios)

proposed scheme.

Activity 16: Tackle alcohol-related crime and disorder in the night-time economy

16.1 Street Safe operation High-visibility policing will be undertaken on Yorkshire Street on Friday and Saturday nights

Greater Manchester Police Sgt Dave Brennan

• See separate GMP report for update

16.2 Taxi Marshalls Taxi marshalls will manage the operation of the taxi rank at the junction of St Mary’s Way and Yorkshire Street on Friday and Saturday nights

Oldham Council Janet Potter

• On-going The taxi marshalls tackle conflict arising from people who are drunk.

16.3 Challenge 25 campaign

Oldham Council

The campaign tackled under-age sales across Oldham. It was launched in Town Centre in November 2010.

16.4 Minimum Price for Alcohol Bylaw

Association of Greater Manchester Authorities

A bylaw was proposed, which fixes a minimum price for alcohol sales across Greater Manchester. The project is currently on-hold.

16.5 Alcohol Strategy

Oldham Council

This Strategy will guide activities to reduce alcohol consumption across Oldham. The Strategy includes a section on crime and the night-time economy. A draft was produced in June 2011.

16.6 Best Bar None scheme 2012

Oldham Council

• Launch in March 2012

• Assessment in

Run by the British Institute of Inn Keeping, the scheme awards well-managed pubs, bars and nightclubs. Oldham launched the 100th


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This national awards scheme for pubs, bars and nightclubs will be run in the Town Centre

Joe Curran May and June

• Awards ceremony in August 2012

scheme in the country in December 2010. Licensed premises that meet a certain standard will be given Best Bar None approval. Those that exceed the standard will be entered for a category and an overall Best Bar None award. The scheme will be run for a 2nd year in 2012. Entries are now being invited.

Objective 4: Grow the Town Centre’s customer base

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Action 17: Raise the profile of the Town Centre as a visitor destination within Greater Manchester

17.1

Visit Oldham website This tourism website will be developed

Town Centre Partnership -

Oldham Council Imogen Fuller

• On-going www.visitoldham.com promotes tourist attractions across Oldham, although the focus is those in Saddleworth and the Town Centre. It is linked to the Visit Manchester website.

17.2 Think You Know Oldham - Think Again campaign Tourist attractions in Saddleworth and the Town Centre will be promoted at group travel trade fairs

Saddleworth District Partnership - £275 Town Centre Partnership - £1,275

Oldham Council Imogen Fuller

• Group Travel Buyer Roadshow - January 2012

• Great Days Out exhibition - February 2012

Suggested group-travel itineraries in the Town Centre and Saddleworth have been created. A promotional stand in the style of a ‘market stall’ has also been created. The stand and itineraries have been taken to:

• Group Travel Buyer Roadshow in January 2012 - Run by Steve Reed Tourism with Coach Monthly magazine, this event was aimed at coach and tour operators. It was held at the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester



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• Great Days Out exhibition in February 2012 - This event was aimed at group travel organisers, ranging from local clubs to companies. It was held at Event City (at the Trafford Centre) and attended by around 2,000 people.

Action 18: Generate visitors to and sales within the Town Centre during key trading periods

18.1 Outdoor Media Large promotional boards for the Town Centre will be installed on key corridors in Oldham

Town Centre Partnership - £5,000

Oldham Council Sara Hewitt

• Install signs in April 2011

• Refresh signs in January 2012

• Install additional signs in TBC

4 A-boards were installed in April 2011 at gateway locations: on Huddersfield Road, Lees Road, Ashton Road, and the top of Manchester Road. They have been used to advise of the Metrolink works. The A-boards were refreshed with a retail offer message in January 2012. 4 more A-boards are going to be installed: the bottom of Manchester Road on both sides of the M60 junction, Chadderton Way, and on Shaw Road.

18.2 Lovin’ It Local promotional campaign Businesses will be promoted through special features in the Oldham Evening Chronicle

Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre - Tommyfield Markets -

Oldham Evening Chronicle Noel McLaughlin

• Mother’s Day: 20 and 24 February

• Easter: 30 March and 2 April

• Jubilee: w/c 28 May

• Olympic Torch: w/c 18 June

The Lovin’ It Local campaign seeks to create positive news stories about business in the Oldham Evening Chronicle.

• Mother’s Day - 2 features the Town Centre’s shopping offer for Mother’s Day and the Peppa Pig event

• Easter - 2 features promoted the Town Centre’s shopping offer for Easter and the Easter Bunny event

• Jubilee - These features will promote businesses celebrating the jubilee and the Jubilee Street Party

• Olympic Torch - These features will promote businesses celebrating the



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Olympics and the Olympic Torch relay

18.3 Peppa Pig event Peppa Pig will be making appearances in the Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre on the Saturday before Mother’s Day

Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre -

Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre Mike Flanagan

• 10 March Peppa Pig made appearances in the Shopping Centre on the 10 March to support Mother’s Day trading. There was also face-painting. The event succeeded in generating increased footfall and sales, not just in the Shopping Centre but across the Town Centre.

18.4 Easter Bunny event The Easter Bunny will be making appearances in the Market Hall

Tommyfield Markets -

Oldham Markets Sharon Hibbert

• 4 April The Easter Bunny will be appearing and distributing free mini chocolate eggs in the Market Hall on the 4 April to support Easter trading. There was also face-painting. An update will be provided at the meeting.

18.5 Oldham Beer Festival 2012 The Festival at the Queen Elizabeth Hall will feature 60 cask ales from around the country

CAMRA - Leadership Priority Investment Fund -

CAMRA Via Nicola WIndle (Oldham Council)

• 27 and 28 April The Rochdale, Oldham and Bury branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) in conjunction with the Mayor of Oldham’s Charity Appeal Committee is hosting its 24th Beer Festival. The event is expected to be attended by 1,500 people.

18.6 Festival Oldham Street theatre performances and participatory arts activities will be held in the pedestrianised zone

Oldham Council Rachel Wood

• 2 and 3 June, 12noon - 4pm

Festival Oldham is in its 12th year. This year’s theme is ‘celebration’ and will link into various national as well as local celebrations (such as the Coliseum’s 125th anniversary). A full programme will be announced soon.

18.7 Jubilee Street Party Family-focused activities will be held on Yorkshire Street to celebrate the

Oldham Business Improvement District -

Town Centre Pub Watch Via Sara Hewitt

• 4 June, 2 - 6pm The event is being organised by the Squire Knott, Number 15 and the Old Bank to support this key, bank holiday trading period. Yorkshire Street will be pedestrianised to allow on-street eating



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Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

(Oldham Council)

and drinking as well as family entertainment, such as Punch and Judy shows, face-painters, appearances by Oldham Athletic mascot - Chaddy the Owl, singers, and displays by dance troupes. Pub Watch in association with the Oldham Evening Chronicle will be running a competition for 2 children to be special guests at the event as prince and princess.

18.8 Olympic Torch Relay event The Olympic Torch will pass through the Town Centre and a celebratory Town Centre event will be held

Oldham Council - Oldham Business Improvement District -


• 24 June, 10am - 2pm

The Olympic Torch Relay is coming to Oldham on the 24 June and will pass through the Town Centre as follows: King Street, Rochdale Road, St Mary’s Way, Henshaw Street, High Street, and Yorkshire Street. Celebratory community events are being held along the route of the Relay. A celebratory showcase of sport in Oldham will be held in the Town Centre on Curzon Street, Albion Street and Clegg Street Car Park. Organisations and groups in Oldham are invited to get involved.

18.9 Parking promotional offers Parking offers will be held in Town Centre car parks

Oldham Council - Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre -

Town Centre Partnership Sara Hewitt

• Hobson Street: On-going

• Shopping Centre: 17 March - 8 April

Car parking promotional offers will be held to support key trading periods and mitigate the effect of the Metrolink construction works. Oldham Council is providing free parking throughout the year in Hobson Street Car Park on Saturdays (7am - 7pm) and Sundays (8.30am - 5pm). Situated largely outside of the Metrolink works, the Cark Park has 697



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spaces. The Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre is offering parking on Saturdays at £1 for the first 3 hours and on Sundays at £1 for the first 4 hours. The concessions will run from 17 March to 8 April. They may be extended to when Peter Street (Town Square exit) re-opens.

Objective 5: Provide effective Town Centre governance Ref.


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Action 19: Seek resources to support Town Centre activities 19.1 Town Centre Manager

A Town Centre Manager will be employed to run the Oldham Town Centre Partnership and Oldham Business Improvement District

Oldham Council -

Oldham Council Michele Carr

• On-going On behalf of the Town Centre Partnership and Business Improvement District, the Town Centre Manager develops and delivers the Town Centre Management initiative with regards to operational services and marketing for visitors. The post is held by Sara Hewitt. Plans a currently being progressed for the creation of a Town Centre Management Apprentice to support the Town Centre Manager, particularly in the development of a new Town Centre Marketing and Promotions Strategy.

19.2 Business Crime Officer A Business Crime Officer will be employed to run the

Oldham Business Improvement District -


• BID (funding) ended in March 2012

On behalf of the Business Crime Reduction Partnership, the Business Crime Officer delivered the Oldham against Business Crime initiative (15.2).


Ref.


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Business Crime Reduction Partnership

The post was funded by the BID, which ended in March 2012 (see 19.4 for update). Options around the future of the post are currently being considered.

19.3 Town Centre Partnership contributions Partners will be invited to contribute funding for the delivery of the Town Centre Partnership’s activities

Around £100,000 annually in contributions


• On-going See separate Town Centre Partnership report - Part 1 for update

19.4 Oldham Business Improvement District (BID) The BID will improve the trading environment of the Town Centre ‘core’ through the funding and delivery of activity that is additional to statutory services

Around £150,000 annual income

Oldham Business Improvement District Sara Hewitt

• BID ended in March 2012

• 2nd BID ballot TBC

A Business Improvement District (BID) is a business-led non-profit making organisation that funds and delivers defined activity in a defined area. It is established through a formal ballot process and lasts for a maximum of 5 years. The Oldham BID delivered activity to improve the appearance of the BID area, tackle crime that affects businesses, and generate visitors and sales. It covered the ‘core’ of the Town Centre: Shopping Centre, Market Hall, Bus Station, High Street, and Yorkshire Street. The activity was funded by a levy on members (ie. business ratepayers within the BID area) between April 2007 and March 2012. The BID Board is currently deciding whether to pursue a 2nd ballot. To inform this, a survey of BID members is currently


Ref.


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being undertaken.

19.5 Heritage Lottery Fund - Townscape Heritage Initiative bid This funding bid is for the delivery of improvements within the Conversation Area

£2 million bid Oldham Council Jenna Simpson

• Decision on first-stage bid in April 2012

Oldham Council submitted a first-stage bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Townscape Heritage Initiative scheme in November 2011. The bid is for £2 million to improve buildings and public realm in the Town Centre’s Conservation Area. It also includes an education and training element. The Town Centre Partnership submitted a letter of support for the bid in November 2011. It is also a member of the proposed steering group.

19.6 Portas Pilot bid This funding bid is to further the Town Team’s activities around creating a ‘next generation’ Town Centre


• Decision on bid in May 2012

The Government’s Portas Pilots scheme seeks to test the ‘Town Team’ approach (as set-out in the Portas Review of the future of UK high streets) and to develop innovative practice. The £1 million scheme will award 12 grants of up to £100,000 to a variety of ‘Town Teams’. Oldham submitted a bid to the grant scheme in March 2012. The bid seeks to support our work around using young people to create a successful, future Town Centre. It includes the Young Enterprise scheme (5.2), Town Centre Manager Apprenticeship post (19.1) and the proposal for young people to support Town Centre businesses in the use of digital media (particularly in terms of generating online sales). The scheme specified that a video


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submission accompany the bid. Oldham’s video was created by students from the Oldham College and can be viewed on YouTube.

Action 20: Measure the performance of the Town Centre 20.1 Performance Indicators

Data to indicate the Town Centre’s performance and the Town Centre Action Plan’s impact will be generated and reviewed



See separate Town Centre Partnership report - Part 2 for update

Action 21: Engage with Town Centre stakeholders 21.1 Conversation with the

Leader sessions A cross-section of Town Centre businesses will be invited to share their views about the Town Centre with the Council Leader


• Next session: June 2012

Other organisations such as the Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre landlord and the Metrolink Town Centre Line Manager will be invited to join the Council Leader. See separate Town Centre Partnership report - Part 2 for update

21.2 Town Centre Police Surgeries Town Centre businesses and users will be invited to raise crime-related issues with Town Centre PCSOs

Greater Manchester Police Sgt. Cherie Dunn

See separate GMP report for update

Action 22: Champion the Town Centre’s interests to decision-makers 22.1 Council Committee

function Recommendations


See separate Town Centre Partnership report - Part 1 for update


Ref.


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regarding local policy development and performance management will be made to Oldham Council

22.2 Association of Town Centre Management (ATCM) membership Through the ATCM, recommendations regarding policy development will be made to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and to Government



• The Town Centre Partnership is a member of the ATCM’s North West branch. Through the ATCM, it is also able to access information about activities taking place in other Town Centres as well as explore opportunities for joint-working, particularly with Greater Manchester members. See separate Town Centre Partnership report - Part 1 for update

Action 23: Produce the Town Centre Partnership Business Plan 23.1 Town Centre Business

Plan 2013-16 A new 3-year business plan will be produced


•

3 Options/Alternatives 3.1 N/A 4 Preferred Option 4.1 N/A 5 Consultation 5.1 N/A 6 Financial Implications 6.1 None 7 Legal Services Comments 7.1 None 8 Human Resources Comments 8.1 None 9 Risk Assessments 9.1 None 10 IT Implications 10.1 None 11 Property Implications 11.1 None 12 Procurement Implications 12.1 None 13 Environmental and Health & Safety Implications 13.1 There are no immediate environmental and health and safety implications. 14 Equality, community cohesion and crime implications


14.1 There are no immediate equality, community cohesion and crime implications. 15 Equality Impact Assessment Completed? 15.1 No 16 Key Decision 16.1 No 17 Forward Plan Reference 17.1 N/A 18 Background Papers 18.1 The following is a list of background papers on which this report is based in

accordance with the requirements of Section 100(1) of the Local Government Act 1972. It does not include documents which would disclose exempt or confidential information as defined by the Act :

File Ref: TCP/2012 Name of File: Apr Records held in Market Hall, Albion Street Oldham OL1 3BG Officer Name: Sara Hewitt Contact No: 0161 770 4516 19 Appendices 19.1 Appendix 1 - Letter distributed by Transport for Greater Manchester to

all Town Centre businesses in March 2012, providing an update on construction and associated traffic management measures

Signed _________________________

Cabinet Member [Cllr David Hibbert ]

Dated _________________________

Signed _________________________ Executive Director

Dated _________________________


Appendix 1 - Letter distributed by Transport for Greater Manchester to all Town Centre businesses in March 2012, providing an update on construction and associated traffic management measures


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