The new park is being rebranded.New details REVEALED for brand now feature in Greater Manchester town centreNew details REVEALED for brand now feature in Greater Manchester town centre(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)

The new name of Oldham’s brand new park has been revealed – and will honour a soon-to-be-demolished town centre landmark.

The six acres of green space currently under development were originally dubbed ‘Jubilee Park’. Running from St Mary’s Way to Henshaw Street, it’s due to stretch almost the entire length of the town centre.

But now the recreation area will be called Tommyfield Park, Oldham council has announced. The name honours the town’s 230 year-old market. Its current home, in a 90s building on Henshaw Street, is due to be demolished later this year, with part of its grounds due to be incorporated into the park.

Announced in a social media post, a council spokesperson said: “Oldham’s new town centre park will now be called Tommyfield Park a tribute to the market that’s been at the heart of the town for over 200 years.

(Image: Oldham Council)

“As the market prepares to close its current site and move into its brand-new home inside The Spindles this September, the name lives on in a new green space designed for the whole community, with open lawns, solar lighting and space for nature to thrive.

“It’s the end of an era, but the start of something new.”

Townhall boss councillor Arooj Shah added: “We want to carry the spirit of Tommyfield forward into something new that everyone can enjoy. While the market is moving to a new space, its name and everything it stands for will live on, at the heart of the town and in what comes next for Oldham.”

Traders from the Tommyfield Market are due to move over to a new venue off The Spindles shopping centre in the coming months. The new space will be known simply as ‘The Market’ – meaning an official end to the Tommyfield Market.

(Image: Charlotte Hall / LDRS)

The sudden name change has raised questions among some members of the public.

“What happened to it being called Jubilee Park?” one Oldham local said, adding: “Have we forgotten all about the Queen now?”

But others thought it was a good way of keeping the spirit of the old market alive, which is being moved to the shopping centre after it has struggled for footfall and revenue in recent years.

“I was born in Oldham and remember [going to] Tommyfield market with my grandma, mum and dad,” Karen, who now lives elsewhere, said, saying the park would be good for keeping memories alive.