Key Points
- The opening phase of Tommyfield Park has been opened on the site of the Oldham sports centre.
- The 1.5-acre opening phase has got lawns, walking paths, seats, terraces with an amphitheatre layout, and places for children and families.
- Oldham Mayor, Councillor Pam Byrne, opened the park on Friday 23 October 2026.
- The finished park will cover 5.7 acres with the second phase to follow in 2027.
- The opening phase will link with the Snipe Gardens, creating a walking path from Oldham Bus Station to the town centre.
- Red sandstone excavated during the construction will be used in the landscaping along with beech trees from Tandle Hill Country Park.
- The Pioneers Stone, made by Frank Rothwell OBE, commemorates Oldham’s role in giving birth to Louise Joy Brown, the world’s first IVF baby, at Oldham General Hospital in 1978.
- The second phase, located on the site of the Tommyfield Market Hall, will have a bigger play area, climbing elements, water play, and a sustainable pond.
- Youngsters contributed to the creation of this project with the help of SPARK Oldham and other community partners.
- The park is part of the £450 million Creating a Better Place regeneration plan of Oldham Council.
Oldham (Manchester Mirror) October 24, 2026 — Tommyfield Park has opened its first phase in Oldham town centre, transforming part of the former sports centre site into a new public green space. As reported by Roch Valley Radio, the initial 1.5-acre area includes lawns, walking trails, an amphitheatre-style terrace, seating and space for children and families to play.
The opening marks the first stage of a wider plan to create a 5.7-acre park across the former sports centre and former Tommyfield Market Hall sites. The second phase is scheduled to open in 2027.
The Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Pam Byrne, formally cut the ribbon at the park on Friday 23 October.
Why Was Tommyfield Park Created?
As reported by Roch Valley Radio, Councillor Byrne said: “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.”
The first phase has been designed to improve access to green space in the town centre. It will link with Snipe Gardens, which opened in June 2025, to provide a walking route between Oldham Bus Station and the town centre.
The park is also part of Oldham Council’s £450 million Creating a Better Place regeneration programme. According to Roch Valley Radio, the wider programme includes town centre housing and improvements to public spaces.
What Features Are in the First Phase?
The first phase includes:
- Lawns and walking trails.
- Seating areas.
- An amphitheatre-style terrace.
- Space for children and families to play.
- Landscaping using red sandstone excavated from the site.
- Sections of beech trees from Tandle Hill Country Park.
At the entrance, the Pioneers Stone has been installed. Roch Valley Radio reported that the stone was created by Frank Rothwell OBE and commemorates Oldham’s role in the birth of Louise Joy Brown, the world’s first IVF baby, at Oldham General Hospital in 1978.
According to the report, the stone pays tribute to the medical team, Louise’s parents and the women who helped make the breakthrough possible.
How Did Young People Shape the Park?
Young people have contributed to the design and development of the park through work with community groups and partners.
As reported by Roch Valley Radio, Cameron Gates, who has been involved 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.”
What Will the Second Phase Include?
The second phase will be built on the former Tommyfield Market Hall site. According to Roch Valley Radio, the plans include a larger play area, climbing features, water play and a sustainable pond.
Once complete, the two phases will form a 5.7-acre park in Oldham town centre. The second phase is expected to open in 2027.
How Will the Park Be Managed?
CCTV cameras at the park will be managed by Oldham Council’s First Response team.
The council said the park would be regularly inspected and maintained by town centre teams.
Background of the Development
Tommyfield Park has been developed on land previously occupied by Oldham’s former sports centre. The first phase covers 1.5 acres of the planned 5.7-acre park, while the remaining land is the former Tommyfield Market Hall site.
The project sits within Oldham Council’s £450 million Creating a Better Place regeneration programme, which also covers town centre housing and public-realm improvements.
The park also connects to Snipe Gardens, opened in June 2025, strengthening pedestrian access between Oldham Bus Station and the town centre.
Prediction: How Could This Affect Oldham Residents?
For Oldham residents, the opening may provide a new town-centre space for walking, sitting, family visits and community events. The planned link between Tommyfield Park and Snipe Gardens could make walking between Oldham Bus Station and the town centre more direct.
If the second phase opens as planned in 2027, residents and families may gain additional play facilities, including climbing features, water play and a sustainable pond.
For local businesses and visitors, the park may become part of the wider town-centre regeneration area, although the available reporting does not state any projected economic impact.
