Mark Crossley has been a fishmonger at Tommyfield Market for 37 years. He said his customer-base has changed over the years which he says is due to "new faces coming to Oldham".

"We're extremely excited about the move and we're chomping at the bit to get over there." he said.

He added how the new premises will be a "much better environment for customers".

The first market in Oldham was founded in 1788 and the land soon became known as Tommyfield.

There are plans to turn Tommyfield Market Hall into a six-acre public park, between Albion Street and St Mary's Way once the traders move to their new premises.

Some traders are less optimistic about the Spindles Town Square development.

Graeme Simpson, 58, runs a watch repair and jewellery business on High Street, he isn't convinced moving premises will help business.

He said: "I hope it is going to be good but I doubt it."

"You used to have cars and buses on High Street, then they pedestrianised it. People are loitering around and you don't feel safe."

Traders were given a 50% reduction in rent by Oldham Council in 2022 to support them after the Covid lockdowns, with this still remaining in place.

Once the businesses move into the new building they will pay no rent for the first four months.

Ray Aslam, 40, has owned Kandy Kingdom in the market for 22 years. He said: "We lost a lot of our regular customers during Covid".

"Right now we're on a half-price rent - but four months after we move we'll back to full rent. Its still do-able because its cheaper than having a shop on the high street".

Ray Aslam, 40, has owned Kandy Kingdom in the market for 22 years. He said: "We lost a lot of our regular customers during Covid."

"Right now we're on a half-price rent - but four months after we move we'll back to full rent. Its still do-able because its cheaper than having a shop on the high street."