Bringing the magic of similar food hall concepts such as Mackie Mayor and Altrincham Market to Oldham, the historic Egyptian Rooms at Oldham’s Old Town Hall are being completely transformed, giving residents a new place to drink, eat and socialise. The new addition, which is already underway, will join an Odeon cinema and a Nando’s restaurant which already reside within the Grade II-listed space.
Housing six casual dining-style food stalls, the new concept is set to inject a new lease of life to Oldham’s dining scene, providing a lovely, casual and open space for people to drink, dine and catch up with friends. It’ll even feature a similar feel to successful food halls such as Stockport’s Produce Hall and Altrincham Market, with modern touches highlighting historical features, independent food traders and long benches for people to share.
After plans were approved back in March 2021 work on the fit-out of the unit has now begun, and Oldham dwellers can expect a bar and a central seating area alongside the six food stalls. Catering for around 150 people, the Grade II-listed space will offer indoor seating as well as a new mezzanine area. Plus, there are plans for a lovely terraced area outside on Parliament Square – which will be perfect for the summer months.
The fit-out will see the Egyptian Room within the Old Town Hall in Oldham converted into a bespoke contemporary food hall, all while preserving its historic character and original features. The Egyptian Room, which dates from 1841, is described as “a prime example of restoration of Victorian architecture with historical significance”. It features original decorative glazed wall and column tiling, parquet and terrazzo flooring, plastered ceilings and original arched windows and doors.
Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “The historic Old Town Hall is much-loved by many Oldhamers; so it’s fantastic to see it not only being restored to its former glory but also bringing a contemporary food hall experience to our town centre.
“This is one of the final pieces of the jigsaw to fully restore this magnificent historic building, following the opening of the cinema and well-established food outlets. Once opened, the new food hall will add another great offer to Oldham’s growing day and night time leisure experience, along with the other great venues in and around our town centre.
“The regeneration of the space is another vital part of our Creating a Better Place programme – we’re creating a town centre for the future where people will want to live, work, visit and socialise. I’m also glad that we’ve partnered with The Hub, who have a wealth of experience in fit-out contracts and whose past commissions include the Royal Shakespeare Company, O2 Arena, and Royal Armouries. We are currently in negotiations with an operator and will be making an announcement to this end shortly.”
The once derelict Old Town Hall is already home to a seven-screen Odeon cinema, Nandos, Molino Lounge, Bittersweet and Costa Coffee, following redevelopment in 2016. Internal works have now started and are due to be completed during the summer of 2023.