The £84 million scheme - which has long been the centrepiece of the borough’s regeneration plans - has been given the green light by members of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA), the umbrella group of the region’s 10 council leaders.
The project went on hold after last December’s rejection of a proposed congestion charge in a region-wide referendum.
But Councillor Sykes has since been undertaking intense lobbying and diplomacy with fellow AGMA members to find a new way forward and today (Tuesday) it was confirmed that Oldham town centre’s Metrolink extension will now proceed.
The move is set to bring new jobs, investment and transport infrastructure to Oldham while transforming opportunities for generations of its townsfolk.
Councillor Sykes said: “To finally get trams running down Union Street is simply fantastic news for this borough.”
“In terms of economic development and prosperity this will act as a catalyst, creating new jobs and, delivering essential new infrastructure that will put Oldham on the map.
“It will also enable us to realise our dreams of forging a new leisure economy that can transform the town centre.”
The go-ahead for the plan - which would see Metrolink enter Oldham via a new line with stops at Mumps, Oldham Central (Clegg Street), Union Street, King Street, Westwood and Werneth - also has strategic importance.
It will link up the key higher and further educational establishments in the town - Oldham College, Oldham Sixth Form College, University Centre Oldham, and the planned Regional Science Centre - and provide students with mobility through a transport network to help them exploit their skills.
Councillor Sykes said: “This has the potential to transform Oldham into an aspirational 21st century town and send out the message that we are open for business.
“This is about creating an infrastructure for those studying in Oldham to find work across Greater Manchester, giving them easy access to work areas across and within the city region.”
Details of the agreement and the funding package are to be unveiled in the next few days.
Councillor Sykes has already pledged that his administration’s commitment to keep Council Tax rises to a maximum of 2.5 per cent for the next two years stands firm.
“That will mean some difficult choices but we have already started to make this in Oldham with our Efficiency Programme,” he said.
“Future generations would not forgive us if we did not prioritise investment like this during an economic recession.
“We must invest and prepare for the future, prepare key sites and show that we are ‘shovel-ready’ when the economy turns.”
