Bosses are set to approve plans which would see more than £300m invested in Oldham borough and thousands of new homes built in the town centre.

It is hoped the ‘creating a better place’ vision will also deliver a thousand new jobs and 100 apprenticeship opportunities.

The plans, which go before cabinet chiefs on January 27, would see a focus on building more homes, delivering new jobs through town centre regeneration and supporting businesses. 

The council says it is also committed to ‘preserving Tommyfield Market’ and providing it with a sustainable future.

By prioritising housebuilding on urban sites, the town hall aims to avoid 'where possible' building on greenbelt land to protect the borough’s much-loved open spaces.

The borough-wide strategy builds on the town centre vision published last July which sets out the priority areas for regeneration, with housing as the catalyst.

The investment from the council will total £306m, split between capital projects of £102m and investment projects of £204m.

Councillor Sean Fielding said: “Since becoming leader of the council I have listened to what residents are saying about the future of the borough and I have undertaken a detailed review of the evidence.

“I believe that this refocus of our plans will be revolutionary for Oldham, bringing jobs, homes and investment into our town centre and will help to create a better place to work, live and visit.

“Oldham town centre is at the heart of our borough and the potential to create lasting change is immense.

"Together, we can create a better place to secure the future of our town centre and ensure it thrives.”

The proposals will support Oldham's ambition to be the greenest borough in Greater Manchester and will embed sustainability, energy efficiency and low and zero carbon into new developments.

The strategy accompanies ongoing investment and regeneration projects across the borough including the new Saddleworth School in Diggle, redevelopment of Alexandra Park depot into a new 'eco centre' and the Northern Roots urban farm project.

It will also build on the refurbishment of Royton Town Hall and the development of a leading hotel at Prince’s Gate at Oldham Mumps.

And chiefs say further projects will be announced in the 'coming months'.