The site that was once home to Oldham’s sports centre has been given a new lease of life, as the first phase of Tommyfield Park officially opens.
The Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Pam Byrne, marked the occasion with a ribbon cutting on Friday 23 October, celebrating another important milestone in the transformation of Oldham town centre.
The first phase of the park covers 1.5 acres, with the completed park set to span 5.7 acres when the second phase opens in 2027.
The new park features open lawns, walking trails, seating areas, an amphitheatre-style terrace and space for children and families to play and enjoy the outdoors.
It has been designed as somewhere people can relax, meet friends, take a break from the working day or simply enjoy some green space in the heart of the town centre.
Tommyfield Park lit up at night in Oldham town centre.
The park is a key part of Oldham’s regeneration plans and long-term ambition to create a greener, healthier and more attractive town centre. It will help connect neighbourhoods, support new housing developments and create a welcoming space for residents, workers and visitors to enjoy.
It will also link with Snipe Gardens, which opened in June 2025, helping to create a greener walking route between Oldham Bus Station and the town centre.
As well as creating a valuable community space, Tommyfield Park continues the transformation of a site that has played an important role in Oldham’s history. Red sandstone excavated from the site has been incorporated into the landscaping, alongside sections of beech trees from Tandle Hill Country Park, giving a nod to the area’s past while creating a space for future generations.
Taking pride of place at the park’s entrance is the Pioneers Stone, created by Frank Rothwell OBE. The stone celebrates Oldham’s role in the birth of the world’s first IVF baby, Louise Joy Brown, at Oldham General Hospital in 1978. It pays tribute to the pioneering medical team, Louise’s parents and the women who helped make the breakthrough possible.
The Pioneers Stone, created by Frank Rothwell OBE.
Councillor Pam Byrne, Mayor of Oldham said: “This is a proud moment for Oldham. Tommyfield Park is much more than a new park. It’s an investment in our residents, our communities and the future of our town centre.
“Creating more green space has been part of our vision for Oldham for many years because we know how important it is for people’s health and wellbeing.
“It’s rare to see a major new park created in the heart of a town centre, but as we build new homes and continue to attract investment, it’s important that we create great places for people to enjoy too.
“Whether it’s families spending time together, workers taking a break or visitors enjoying our town, this park will become a green heart for Oldham and another example of us delivering on our ambitions for a healthier, happier and greener borough.”
The second phase of Tommyfield Park will be built on the site of the former Tommyfield Market Hall and will include a larger play area, climbing features, water play and a sustainable pond.
Local young people are also helping to shape the future of the park through engagement with community groups and partners, helping to ensure it remains a safe, welcoming and vibrant space for everyone.
Cameron Gates, a young person involved in shaping Tommyfield Park through Spark Oldham said: “Being involved in Tommyfield Park has been a brilliant experience. It’s something that’s going to be here for years to come and knowing I’ve played a part in it makes me really proud.
“I’ve been with Spark for two and a half years and it’s made a huge difference to me. I’ve grown so much in confidence, especially with public speaking. I’ve seen Oldham change for the better and in that time I’ve changed a lot too.”
Frank Rothwell OBE, Mayor of Oldham Cllr Pam Byrne and Cameron Gates at the new Tommyfield Park.
The park has CCTV cameras managed by the council’s First Response team and will be regularly inspected, with town centre maintenance teams helping to keep the space clean and well maintained.
Tommyfield Park is part of Oldham’s £450 million Creating a Better Place regeneration programme, which includes amongst other projects The Market and Loom at Spindles, J R Clynes, new homes including start on site at Princes Gate and improvements to public spaces across the town centre.