An empty retail unit in a popular Oldham shopping centre has been transformed into a pop-up shop full of all things handmade.
With Oldham Council keen to make March “a month of celebration” of the eclectic mix of independents right across the bustling borough, an empty retail unit in Spindles Town Square shopping centre is to begin a new life as a pop-up shop from tomorrow in an exciting collaboration between the local business community and the Council.
The pop-up shop is called ‘Oldham Made’, and will be open all throughout March.
The new store is selling everything from crafts, clothes, and handmade gifts, to locally-brewed beers, and candles sourced from a range of independent businesses across Oldham.
Oldham Council says the idea for the shop was born out of public consultations with residents at the recently-held ‘Big Oldham Conversation’ events, where plans for the Town Centre redevelopments were discussed, and at those meetings, locals said that empty units in the town should be made available for small businesses.
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“Now we’ve delivered on that promise,” Oldham Council said.
🎉 Oldham Made opens tomorrow at 9am 🎉
A one stop shop for gifts, crafts, arts and clothing (for humans and dogs 🐕).
Speaking ahead of the launch of the new shop tomorrow, Cllr Arooj Shah – Leader of Oldham Council – said: “Oldham Made will showcase the amazing range of talent we have in Oldham, while giving our local entrepreneurs and makers a helping hand.
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“By providing a space where small businesses can come together to show off their fantastic range of products, we hope to create a buzz about shopping small and shopping local – but what’s really exciting, is that Oldham Made is just one small part of our plans for Spindles and the regeneration of our town centre.
“It’s just one of the many ways we’re supporting the small and independent businesses doing awesome things in our borough.”
‘Oldham Made’ will be open all throughout March / Credit: The Manc GroupOldham Council keen to make March “a month of celebration” of all the borough’s independent businesses / Credit: The Manc Group
As well as celebrating independents and being full of handmade gifts, Oldham Council says the shop – which has been made possible thanks to funding from the Welcome Back Fund, set up by the European Regional Development Fund and the government – will also feature larger-than-life installations, Instagram-worthy elements, and plenty of exciting product demos for shoppers to get involved with.
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From 5 March, visitors to the store will also be able to collect four specially-designed bags for life, and all they’ll need to do is spend £5 in one of the independents, then bring their receipt to the Oldham Made store and exchange this for their exclusive bag.
The Oldham Made shop will be open Monday to Saturday from 9am until 5pm, and you can find more information here.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
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Spooktacular Halloween trail to return to National Trust site Quarry Bank
Daisy Jackson
A Halloween trail is set to return to Quarry Bank Mill this autumn for one of the region’s most hauntingly beautiful seasonal events.
The National Trust site is a former working mill and one of the country’s finest industrial buildings – but as night falls and the shadows lengthen, a haunting will begin…
This year’s Halloween at Quarry Bank will again feature spooky light installations, a mesmerising laser garden, and a thrilling fire show, as well as live performances and seasonal food and drink.
Returning for a second year, Halloween at Quarry Bank will be an unforgettable experience for all ages.
Fog will swirl through the paths around the grounds, as glowing demon eyes watch over passers-by and giant skeletons loom over twisted trees.
If you’re brave enough, the trail then heads inside the mill itself, where creaking and clanking sounds of its industrial past hint at something a little more haunted.
Credit: Andrew Ogilvy PhotographyCredit: SuppliedCredit: Supplied
As you wander the trail, you’ll pass installations like glowing fire spheres and catacombs echoing with whispers from the past, plus plenty more surprises waiting in the shadows.
Then you can refuel with ‘bewitched burgers and freaky fries’, plus hot toddys and decadent hot chocolates.
You can even toast a marshmallow over an open fire.
Halloween at Quarry Bank is designed for families, couples, and groups of friends alike, and attracts visitors from all over Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside and Lancashire.
Entry to the trail is on a timed slot system – tickets are on sale now HERE.
Inside the brand-new rental houses at Bolton’s landmark £35m development, Deansgate Gardens
Daisy Jackson
The first residents are in, and the launch of Deansgate Gardens – a landmark £35m development in Bolton town centre – is live.
This impressive new development has brought 167 high-quality rental homes to Bolton, creating a residential neighbourhood that features rooftop terraces, gardens, and stunning communal spaces.
The homes on Deansgate, Bolton have been built specifically for renters, with spacious layouts in an ideal location just a two-minute walk from Bolton Town Hall and a short commute to Manchester.
And, unusually for new rental developments, it’s not all about apartments here (though there are beautiful one- and two-bedroom apartments with rooftop gardens available).
It’s also somewhere you can rent two-bedroom townhouses, and have your very own yard.
Every home is built with energy efficiency in mind, with heat pumps and enhanced insulation, plus rooftop solar panels on selected homes, keeping those pesky bills down.
This pet-friendly development comes from developer Placefirst, and is a key moment in the wider £1bn regeneration masterplan for Bolton.
Inside Deansgate Gardens in BoltonInside Deansgate Gardens in BoltonA spacious bedroomThe rooftop terraceView from the rooftop terrace
Deansgate Gardens is located just opposite the former Beales department store, connected by the train station, bus interchange, and town centre within walking distance.
These stylish new homes are built around a central square and communal courtyards. The result? Somewhere residents can relax, socialise, and connect.
There’s even a dedicated Resident Service Manager and 24/7 maintenance support for peace of mind.
And just a short walk away you’ll find parks like Queen’s Park, plus beautiful routes along the River Croal.
Ready to make these houses your home? Book in for a tour around Deansgate Gardens today HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
28th February 2022 
