11/07/2020
A significant change is underway in the heart of Oldham town centre, impacting daily commuters and visitors alike. The long-standing taxi rank at Dan Fold, prominently located opposite the Oldham Central bus station, is set to close its operations permanently. This development, part of a broader and ambitious town centre redevelopment plan, marks a pivotal moment for urban regeneration in the area. While the immediate closure might pose a temporary inconvenience for those accustomed to the rank's strategic position, Oldham Council assures the public that these “major works” are essential for creating a more modern, welcoming, and efficient gateway to the town's high street. This article delves into the specifics of the closure, the reasons behind it, the alternative arrangements for catching a cab, and the exciting vision for Oldham's future as these transformative projects unfold.
The Impetus Behind the Closure: A Vision for a Better Entrance
The decision to close the Dan Fold taxi rank is not an isolated event but a crucial component of a larger urban renewal strategy. At the core of this initiative is the demolition of the building that previously housed the Snipe Inn Pub. For 130 years, this establishment stood as a local landmark, but its site is now earmarked for a significant transformation. The council's objective is to dismantle the former pub building to pave the way for a “new, better entrance” from the bus station directly into the bustling high street.
This redevelopment aims to address a long-standing issue: the current connection between the bus terminus and Henshaw Street has been described as a “dingy” alleyway. Such an uninviting approach often creates a negative first impression for visitors arriving in Oldham, detracting from the town centre's overall appeal. By removing the Snipe Inn and the adjacent structures, the council intends to open up this crucial thoroughfare, creating a brighter, safer, and more aesthetically pleasing access point. This move underscores a commitment to enhancing public spaces and ensuring that the town centre is not only functional but also inviting and reflective of a modern urban environment. The closure of the taxi rank, therefore, is a necessary step in facilitating this extensive demolition and subsequent construction work, laying the groundwork for a more vibrant public realm.
Alternative Taxi Provisions: Keeping Oldham Moving
Understanding that the closure of a primary taxi rank could cause disruption, Oldham Council has proactively implemented alternative solutions to ensure residents and visitors continue to have ample options for transport. The council's statement explicitly reassures the public, noting that “extra cabs will be available just a minute away at the rank outside the Tommyfield pub.” This new arrangement significantly boosts the capacity in a conveniently located area.
Furthermore, to enhance the availability of taxis near the Tommyfield pub, the council has created new bays on Fountain Street. These additional bays mean more cabs can wait for passengers, effectively mitigating the loss of the Dan Fold rank's capacity. This strategic placement ensures that the flow of public transport remains efficient and accessible, particularly for those transitioning from the bus station.
Beyond these immediate enhancements, Oldham town centre boasts several other established taxi rank locations that remain fully operational. These include:
- Spring Garden Terrace
- Natwet Rank
- Greaves Street
- Mumps
- Regent Street
- ICC Rank
These existing ranks, combined with the new provisions near the Tommyfield pub, form a comprehensive network, offering multiple pick-up points across the town centre. The council's message is clear: while one rank closes for vital redevelopment, the overall capacity and accessibility for catching a cab are maintained, if not improved, through careful planning and the creation of new facilities. This multi-pronged approach demonstrates a commitment to passenger convenience during a period of significant urban change.
The Visionary Snipe Garden Project: A New Community Hub
The demolition of the Snipe Inn and the closure of the Dan Fold taxi rank are not merely about removal; they are about creation. The cleared space will be transformed into an exciting new community space aptly named 'Snipe Garden'. Plans for this vibrant city-centre garden were approved earlier this year and represent a significant investment in Oldham's public realm.
This 'vibrant' garden is designed to replace the aforementioned 'dingy' alleyway, offering a stark contrast to its predecessor. It will be fitted with modern street lights, ensuring safety and visibility, and adorned with lush greenery, providing a refreshing oasis in the urban landscape. The aim is to create a “safer” and “more welcoming” port of entry to Oldham, making the initial experience of arriving in the town centre far more pleasant and inviting for everyone. Imagine stepping off a bus and being greeted by a beautifully landscaped garden rather than a narrow, unappealing passageway – this is the transformation Oldham Council envisions.
A particularly poignant aspect of the Snipe Garden project is the fate of the iconic Light Squeeze artwork. This rubber ball, famously wrenched into the top of the narrow alleyway, has been a cherished local feature. Councillor Elaine Taylor affectionately noted that it has “mesmerised the kids in Oldham for years.” Recognising its cultural value and the fond memories it holds for many residents, the council has committed to restoring and relocating the artwork. This ensures that while the physical landscape evolves, elements of Oldham's unique character and artistic heritage are preserved and celebrated in the new development. The Snipe Garden is set to become a focal point, a place for relaxation, social interaction, and a proud new symbol of Oldham's progressive urban identity.
Any major urban development project inevitably brings about a period of adjustment for both residents and service providers. For passengers, the immediate change will be the necessity of finding alternative taxi pick-up points. While the Dan Fold rank offered direct proximity to the bus station, the new primary location by the Tommyfield pub is only “a minute away,” a minor walk that will become part of the new routine. The clear communication from the council regarding alternative ranks and enhanced capacity aims to minimise any initial confusion or inconvenience. Over time, as the Snipe Garden takes shape and the new entrance from the bus station is completed, passengers can anticipate a significantly improved overall experience when entering and exiting the town centre. The long-term benefits of a safer, more attractive, and better-connected environment are expected to outweigh the short-term adjustments.
For taxi drivers, adapting to the closure will involve familiarising themselves with the new bays on Fountain Street and the increased activity around the Tommyfield pub rank. The council's efforts to create additional capacity suggest that there will be sufficient space for drivers to operate efficiently. Furthermore, a revitalised town centre, with enhanced pedestrian flow and a more welcoming atmosphere, could potentially lead to increased footfall and, consequently, more business for taxi services in the long run. The project represents a forward-thinking approach to urban planning, aiming to benefit all stakeholders by creating a more attractive and functional town centre.
Oldham's Urban Regeneration: A Broader Perspective
The Dan Fold taxi rank closure and the Snipe Garden project are integral pieces of a much larger puzzle – Oldham's comprehensive urban regeneration strategy. Towns and cities across the UK are continually evolving, striving to meet the changing needs of their communities and economies. Oldham Council's initiatives reflect a commitment to modernising its town centre, making it a more appealing destination for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
These projects often involve difficult decisions, such as the demolition of historical buildings like the Snipe Inn. However, such decisions are typically made with a long-term vision in mind, balancing heritage with the imperative for progress and functionality. The creation of vibrant public spaces, improved connectivity, and a safer urban environment are common goals in modern urban planning. By investing in projects like the Snipe Garden, Oldham is not just building a park; it is investing in its future, enhancing its civic pride, and creating a more sustainable and enjoyable place to live, work, and visit. The council's efforts to ensure ample alternative taxi provisions demonstrate a holistic approach, considering all aspects of urban life during this period of significant transformation. The ultimate goal is to foster a dynamic and thriving town centre that serves its community effectively for generations to come.
Comparative Overview of Taxi Facilities
| Feature | Old Dan Fold Rank | New Primary Ranks (Tommyfield Pub/Fountain Street) | Other Existing Ranks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Opposite Oldham Central Bus Station | Adjacent to Tommyfield Pub, with new bays on Fountain Street | Spring Garden Terrace, Natwet Rank, Greaves Street, Mumps, Regent Street, ICC Rank |
| Status | Permanently Closed (for demolition/redevelopment) | Enhanced Capacity and Fully Operational | Fully Operational |
| Proximity to Bus Station | Directly opposite | Approximately a minute's walk | Varies, spread across town centre |
| Purpose of Change | To facilitate the demolition of Snipe Inn and creation of Snipe Garden | To provide increased capacity and mitigate closure of Dan Fold rank | Provide a network of taxi access points |
| Overall Impact | Temporary inconvenience, but long-term benefit of better town entrance | Ensures continuous, accessible taxi service during redevelopment | Maintains comprehensive coverage across Oldham town centre |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why is the Dan Fold taxi rank closing?
A: The Dan Fold taxi rank is closing as part of major redevelopment works in Oldham town centre. The building previously home to the Snipe Inn Pub, adjacent to the rank, is being demolished. This is to create a new, improved entrance from the Oldham Central bus station to the high street, which will become the 'Snipe Garden' community space.
Q: Where can I catch a taxi instead of the Dan Fold rank?
A: You can catch a taxi at the rank outside the Tommyfield pub, which has had its capacity increased with new bays on Fountain Street. Additionally, other fully operational town centre taxi ranks include Spring Garden Terrace, Natwet Rank, Greaves Street, Mumps, Regent Street, and the ICC Rank.
Q: Are there enough alternative taxis available?
A: Yes, Oldham Council has stated that “extra cabs will be available just a minute away at the rank outside the Tommyfield pub,” and new bays have been created on Fountain Street to increase capacity. Combined with the other existing town centre ranks, there are plenty of options available to catch a cab.
Q: What is the 'Snipe Garden' project?
A: The 'Snipe Garden' is a new community space being created on the site of the former Snipe Inn Pub and the current 'dingy' alleyway connecting the bus station to Henshaw Street. It will be a 'vibrant' city-centre garden fitted with street lights and greenery, designed to create a “safer” and “more welcoming” entrance to Oldham.
Q: What will happen to the 'Light Squeeze' artwork?
A: The iconic 'Light Squeeze' artwork, which has “mesmerised the kids in Oldham for years,” is due to be restored and relocated as part of the Snipe Garden project. This ensures that this cherished piece of local art is preserved and continues to be part of Oldham's cultural landscape.
Q: How long will these 'major works' take?
A: Oldham Council has not provided a specific timeline for the completion of these 'major works'. However, they are part of ongoing town centre redevelopment efforts, indicating a phased approach to creating a better, more modern Oldham town centre.
Q: Is the closure of the Dan Fold taxi rank permanent?
A: Yes, the closure of the Dan Fold taxi rank is permanent. The site is being redeveloped into the Snipe Garden community space, fundamentally changing the layout of that area of the town centre.
Q: Will this affect bus services?
A: The provided information does not indicate any direct impact on bus services themselves. The changes primarily concern the taxi rank and the pedestrian access from the bus station to the high street.
The transformation of Oldham town centre is a testament to the council's commitment to urban improvement. While the closure of the Dan Fold taxi rank marks the end of an era for that specific location, it heralds the beginning of a new chapter for Oldham – one that promises enhanced public spaces, improved connectivity, and a more vibrant, welcoming experience for everyone. The temporary adjustments are a small price to pay for the long-term benefits of a modern and thriving town centre. We encourage all residents and visitors to familiarise themselves with the new taxi provisions and embrace the exciting changes unfolding in Oldham.
If you want to read more articles similar to Oldham Taxi Rank Closure: What You Need to Know, you can visit the Transport category.