The historic Egyptian Rooms at Oldham Town Hall are to be transformed into a new casual dining destination for the town.
Plans have been submitted by the council to turn the space into a food hall in the style of Altrincham Market and Stockport's Produce Hall.
The majestic tiled hall will be fitted out with six food and drink concessions - which it's proposed could include a coffee shop, pizzeria and a bar - centred around a communal dining area.
It will have space for around 200 people inside and out, including a large, covered terrace on Parliament Square.
The council is in discussions with potential operators to take over the space if planning permission is granted.
The once derelict grade II-listed building is already home to a seven-screen Odeon cinema, Nandos and Molino Lounge, following a £37m redevelopment.
Sean Fielding, council leader and cabinet member for economy and skills, said: “This would be an exciting new food and drink experience for Oldham and a great addition to the Old Town Hall and the fantastic businesses already based there and across the town centre.
“We’re committed to ensuring Oldham has a vibrant leisure and night-time economy and we are confident a market like this will be welcomed by residents and visitors.”
Greater Manchester's night time economy advisor Sacha Lord said he hoped it would help the town's nightlife flourish.
“Many residents and operators in Oldham have spoken to me about how thriving the night time economy used to be," he said.
“I have now had many visits and very positive conversations with Coun Sean Fielding, the leader of Oldham Council.
"Sean completely understands and supports the idea of re-invigorating the sector and last year assembled a Night Time Economy Taskforce.
“Last year, during one of my visits, I was shown a very ambitious project, the Egyptian Rooms and was told about the plans to bring it to life and expand footfall into the Old Town Hall.
“Now, even during these challenging times, I’m delighted the Egyptian Rooms are progressing. Not only will it create many jobs but could also become a nucleus to make other independents flourish, as we have seen with food halls in other areas of Greater Manchester.”
The council has submitted a bid to the Government’s Future High Street Fund to support the redevelopment of the Egyptian Rooms, which were once home to the Borough Treasurer’s Rates Hall.
If successful, the funding will also support other regeneration projects across the town centre including public realm improvements and the creation of a digital start-up hub.
Coun Fielding added: “Coronavirus has had a huge impact on Oldham - which is why it’s more important than ever to do everything we can to create investment, jobs and opportunities for people.
“We look forward to hearing the outcome of the Future High Street Fund which will enable us to deliver key regeneration projects to help our town build back better.”
If approved, work will begin on the Egyptian Rooms later this year with a planned opening of summer 2021.
