Liberal Democrats call in Princes’ Gate decision

The decision to hand over Princes’ Gate to Oldham Council’s partnership with Muse has been “called in” by Liberal Democrat councillor Sam Al-Hamdani – who asked for more information on the multi-million pound decision after it was taken in a private session of the Council’s Cabinet.

Princes’ Gate has been a long-term target for commercial development, with stalled projects for a hotel, a Lidl supermarket, and Marks & Spencer. The Council has now u-turned on making the landmark site at the gateway to the town a commercial one, and is instead solely building residential properties there. 

Councillor Al-Hamdani said: “There are significant potential costs involved in this development for the Council, which were not included in previous budget planning. Such a change in approach should be as transparent as possible.

“This is the gateway to Oldham town centre, and a prime transport interchange with the tram stop, bus stops and bypass. It is essential that these decisions are taken transparently and cooperatively.”

The plan for Princes’ Gate in 2014 was for 150,000 sq ft (14,000 sq m) of retail space created, along with 800 homes and 700 parking spaces. The current proposals are for around 295 new homes. Details of the decision will now be heard in a specially added scrutiny meeting on 17 December.

Councillor Al-Hamdani continued: “This Labour-run council has a history of massive overspending, and massive under delivery. This project is now a prime example of that – it’s a fraction of the size, a decade late, and being decided on in Cabinet after the public and press have been excluded. Is that good enough for the people of Oldham?”