The regeneration project will transform the old Town Hall, creating space for six restaurant units as well as a seven screen Odeon cinema.
The grade II-listed Town Hall building will have a large glass extension fitted which will become the frontage to the new restaurants.
The restaurant units will range in size from 2500sq.ft to 6070sq.ft. Five of the units will be located on the ground floor and one on the first floor. Each unit will also offer external seating areas and views across the public space, renamed Parliament Square.
Letting agents Tushingham Moore will be seeking restaurant operators for the new units.
Buzzing new environment
The new restaurants and cinema are part of a wider development of Oldham city centre.
Oldham council leader Jim McMahon said: “We know how important good public spaces are to having a well-linked, vibrant and successful town centre and this location is vital because it straddles both our retail shopping heart and our new Independent Quarter.
“We want this to be a buzzing new environment where folk and families from all walks of life can eat and socialise, enjoy arts and cultural events and attractions like specialist markets. It is something that Oldham has lacked for too long.”
Pleasing the public
The new development, including the restaurant units, has been designed using information from public research.
“Last year we asked the public for their views about what kind of public art should accompany our regeneration plans,” explained Councillor McMahon.
“You told us you wanted a better street environment with seating, planters and event spaces, plus public art reflecting our heritage as a borough, and we have listened.
“We believe this scheme will renew how Oldham town centre looks and feels, and provide a fantastic new civic focal point.”