Oldham MBC approached NEW Masterplanning to prepare a masterplan which would transform an underutilised industrial estate into an attractive location for high-tech businesses.
The industrial estate currently suffers from a poor quality environment, non-conforming users such as brick crushing and cement works, limited facilities for employees and concerns regarding safety, particularly in the evening.
These problems were not only undermining efforts to attract new investment but were threatening the long term presence of existing hi-tech businesses such as Zetex, a semiconductor manufacturer with its international headquarters in Chadderton.
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The opportunities came from the cluster of historic mill buildings, the proximity to Chadderton local shopping centre, the relationship with Oldham's new 'Learning Quarter', strategic motorway access and the proposed introduction of the new metrolink to Manchester City Centre.
Working with King Sturge, our strategy places Zetex at the heart of a new business 'spine',with public realm improvements and new business investment anchored by mixed-use refurbishment of historic mill buildings. Office development is concentrated close to the new Metro station, creating a modern gateway to Oldham. Proposals for expansion of the shopping centre create new links to the business areas, and provide opportunities to bring residential and leisure uses closer to the core employment sites.
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