The transformation of Spindles Town Square shopping centre in Oldham has moved a step closer with the submission of a full planning application.
Oldham Council is seeking to create a new home for Tommyfield Market, improve the retail areas and provide new venues for work, leisure, and family entertainment.
A final decision is expected to be made by members of the authority's planning committee in the coming months.
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Council leader Cllr Arooj Shah said: "This is an exciting milestone in making this project a reality, and I'm so glad that we'll soon be seeing work taking place.
"I can't wait to see the revamped centre with all the new facilities. It's going to make a huge difference to our town centre, along with lots of other brilliant projects like the new Jubilee Park, new theatre, restored Old Library and the development of a hotel and supermarket at Prince's Gate.
"The future of Oldham is looking really positive and we're working hard to create a town centre we can all be proud of.
"Thank you to everyone who has had their say on the Spindles redevelopment so far. It's great to see that so many people are looking forward to this huge revamp finally taking place.
"We asked what things were most important to you as we transform the centre and your top five answers were independent shops, improved toilets, more high street shops, more food and drink and more activities suitable for all ages.
"You also gave us ideas for how you would like to use Spindles and its new venues in the future – such as community events, music concerts and comedy shows in the new event space and that you want independent traders, product choice, and food and drink on the market.
"We've listened to what you have to say, and acted on some of your ideas straight away - such as by launching our amazing new Oldham Made shop which celebrates independent businesses from across Oldham.
"We've also refurbished parts of the centre including the toilets, and have more planned to improve accessibility during the redevelopment.
"We'll continue to use your feedback as the redevelopment progresses, to make sure we provide the things you’ve told us you want."
Planning permission to demolish the former TJ Hughes store was granted in January which will pave the way for a new Tommyfield Market.
Extending that part of the shopping centre into Parliament Square would create a new entrance to the relocated split-level market with a food court surrounded by food and drink traders connecting to the square and a dedicated retail market linking to the shopping mall.
A new events space will be built above the new market, bringing a new venue for private and public functions and community use.
The authority is also seeking permission to change the use of some retail areas in the upper floor of Spindles to office space to create co-working space for new local businesses, entrepreneurs and for some Oldham Council services.
Cllr Shah added: "The high street and the way we shop continues to change. That's why we bought Spindles and developed these plans, to give our town centre a long-term future.
"We’re kickstarting a huge investment in Oldham, and with it we’ll create quality jobs for Oldhamers and new opportunities for our local businesses."
Subject to approvals, demolition of the TJ Hughes unit will begin first with work on the centre’s redevelopment starting in the summer.
The new Spindles Town Square would be complete towards the end of next year.
