Profile of Oldham

Profile

Oldham is a Borough of contrasts.  From the vibrant urban towns in the west of the Borough that sit adjacent to Manchester City Centre, to the picturesque villages of Saddleworth that provide a gateway to the Peak District National Park.  It is a proud and thriving Borough that is home to approximately 220,000 people, 40% of whom are between 16 and 44 years of age and one fifth under the age of 15.  

Business

Oldham is a Borough with a deep-rooted tradition for enterprise and entrepreneurship evidenced by a strong business base of over 6,000 businesses which span a range of key sectors including advanced manufacturing, construction, digital and creative and financial and professional services.   The Borough is also home to a number of national and international brands and companies including the Mirror Group, Diodes Incorporated, Ferranti Technologies, DCT Civil Engineering Ltd, Innovative Technologies as well as Oldham Athletic Football Club. 

Transport

Oldham has excellent transport links.  The extension of the Metrolink through the town centre and borough will provide fast, efficient access to the city from the countryside and back again.  The Borough also has direct access to the national motorway network providing quick and easy links Manchester International Airport and to Leeds and beyond. 

Investment

Oldham has seen significant investment over the past couple of years particularly in its housing stock and educational facilities such as Oldham Life Long Learning Centre and University Campus Oldham, part of the University of Huddersfield.  This investment in education and skills is set to continue, strengthening the Borough as a beacon for education, particularly in the field of science. 

Education

The Regional Science Centre, part of Oldham Sixth Form College, has created a new model for science education nationally. It is designed to be used by everyone with a passion for science – from primary school children to A-level students to industry.