Oldham Mumps future

[The Snap]

Hi all,

This may not be the most appropriate place for this thread; it could go in several sections. Mods, feel free to move if necessary.

Since the closure of the temporary Oldham Mumps Metrolink stop in 2012, which replaced the original Mumps station in 2009, there is obviously now a significant plot available where the original station once stood, and subsequently the much smaller temporary stop.
There is also of course the trackbed towards Werneth, and Central and Werneth tunnels themselves.

Is there a plan for this land? I've seen various CAD models in the local press of new business units being built on the site, but has anything been agreed or funded yet?
I drove past a couple of weeks ago and noticed a drilling rig doing ground investigations - this could be a sign of some movement on a development?

Also, what’s the plan for the tunnels? They can’t be caved in given the significant infrastructure and property above them. Are they to be left abandoned?

Thanks.

 

[Altfish]

I think there were plans for a car park, there were also some photos of the tunnels/trackbed on the Skyscraper City forum; but I couldn't find it.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Won't the tunnels be fully end- sealed and gated at both ends?

 

[Llama]

It would be a shame if the tunnels (Werneth tunnel and Central tunnel) weren't used for anything, they always looked to be in very good nick on the countless times I drove through them, very few leaks and the walls were straight as a die (to pre-empt the pedants - yes I know Central tunnel is curved).

 

[The Snap]

It would be a shame if the tunnels (Werneth tunnel and Central tunnel) weren't used for anything, they always looked to be in very good nick on the countless times I drove through them, very few leaks and the walls were straight as a die (to pre-empt the pedants - yes I know Central tunnel is curved).

I think NR allowed them to deteriorate as soon as they knew they would be going to Metrolink. There was a lot of work done to shore them up when they converted them for the Metro, albeit only for temporary basis.

A lot of pointing and grouting to shore up the brick work. By all accounts they weren’t in good nick; at one point they were concerned about collapse when a few bricks came falling in!

 

[Mutant Lemming]

What is the derivation of the Mumps name ? (i.e. what was the street named after)

 

[jonesy3001]

The tunnels are gated off, there's a couple of pics on my Flickr in the metrolink album.

 

[andyb2706]

I think there were plans for a car park, there were also some photos of the tunnels/trackbed on the Skyscraper City forum; but I couldn't find it.

I've not heard anything officially but I wouldn't be surprised if it does not become a car park with a new bridge across the road because there are rumours flying around Oldham that the brand spanking new park and ride car park for the Metrolink is to become a Marks & Spencers. Now if that is the case I can't see TfGM not wanting a replacement park and ride car park and also M&S would want somewhere for their patrons to park. All rumours at this point though.

Okay, I can now dispel my rumour remark and it has been confirmed. After posting the above comment I googled what Marks and Spencer in Oldham and got a result from the Oldham Council website who have confirmed what is hopefully going to happen.The drilling you saw was probably to do with the new housing going there. I've included a link to Oldham councils website and if you scroll down to the second video it talks you through the plans.

http://www.oldham.gov.uk/princesgate

 

[WatcherZero]

What is the derivation of the Mumps name ? (i.e. what was the street named after)

Mumper = Beggar, was the area of the town where beggars lived.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

What is the derivation of the Mumps name ? (i.e. what was the street named after)

Oldham Mumps is a district, not a street. It first appeared in the Oldham Parish Registers at the end of the 17th century.

In early English dialect, mumps means alms and a mumper was a beggar. As there once was an established workhouse in that area, it may have derived its name from that source.

 

[Sir Felix Pole]

http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/8/news-headlines/90549/princes-gate-proposals-get-early-seal-of-approval

Consultation in progress - M & S store (first in Oldham's history!), relocation of the park and ride and housing development on the old Mumps station site.

 

[andyb2706]

Oldham Mumps is a district, not a street. It first appeared in the Oldham Parish Registers at the end of the 17th century.

In early English dialect, mumps means alms and a mumper was a beggar. As there once was an established workhouse in that area, it may have derived its name from that source.

You are a fountain of knowledge. I lived in Oldham for 19 years and I never knew that about Mumps....a bit of me still misses those two big bridges but I never realised how much space Mumps roundabout took up until they had been demolished.

 

[edwin_m]

Oldham Mumps is a district, not a street. It first appeared in the Oldham Parish Registers at the end of the 17th century.

It's both. On Bing maps Yorkshire Street becomes "Mumps" for a short distance from Wallshaw Street before it turns into Bottom o'th Moor at about where the railway bridge used to be. The Metrolink and bus stops have obliterated much of it.

Good to hear of some much-needed development coming to Oldham, but on that link it notes that the replacement Park and Ride is between Beever Street and Wallshaw Street, so next to the bus depot rather than on the former station site.

 

[work-traveller]

I think NR allowed them to deteriorate as soon as they knew they would be going to Metrolink. There was a lot of work done to shore them up when they converted them for the Metro, albeit only for temporary basis.

A lot of pointing and grouting to shore up the brick work. By all accounts they weren’t in good nick; at one point they were concerned about collapse when a few bricks came falling in!

British rail/Railtrack/Network Rail allowed the whole Oldham Loop to slowly deteriorate, on the basis that the long term plan was closure (from a heavy rail perspective). So yes - the tunnels were only considered serviceable as a rail based transport corridor as a short term measure. The tunnel lining is pretty leaky in places too.

 

[507 001]

British rail/Railtrack/Network Rail allowed the whole Oldham Loop to slowly deteriorate, on the basis that the long term plan was closure (from a heavy rail perspective). So yes - the tunnels were only considered serviceable as a rail based transport corridor as a short term measure. The tunnel lining is pretty leaky in places too.

leaky? it was like a bloody sieve!

It was the only place on metro link where you needed windscreen wipers even if it wasn't raining!

 

[stockport1]

Oldham Mumps is a district, not a street. It first appeared in the Oldham Parish Registers at the end of the 17th century.

In early English dialect, mumps means alms and a mumper was a beggar. As there once was an established workhouse in that area, it may have derived its name from that source.

very informative!
With a slight historical deviation it could have ended up being called
Oldham Spikes then???

 

[Mutant Lemming]

very informative!
With a slight historical deviation it could have ended up being called
Oldham Spikes then???

...or had Roald Dahl inhabited the area we may have had Muumpah Luumpahs.