Oldham's new town centre park will be named Jubilee Park in honour of the Queen's 70 years on the throne, it has been revealed.
The new six-acre park is being created in the town centre as part of the ongoing regeneration scheme, which is also seeing the revamp of Spindles shopping centre, new housing, new arts and performance space, new offices and a new home for Tommyfield Market.
This year, the Queen will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service to the country, having taken the throne in February 1952.
Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: "I couldn't think of a more fitting name for our new park, which is being created as the same time as we mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
"It's just a small way of showing our thanks and appreciation as a borough to the Queen, for all that she has done for this country over the past 70 years.
"I'm also looking forward to bringing people from all communities together for our weekend of Jubilee celebrations here in Oldham, which will celebrate the reign of Her Majesty and the incredible service she has given to us all."
Jubilee Park will be created on land freed up by the relocation of Tommyfield Market, as well as the former Oldham Sports Centre in Lord Street.
The council says it plans to bring these sites back to life with much-needed new homes and the new park, which will provide space to exercise, play, or spend time with friends, family and colleagues outdoors.
It's just one way in which Oldham will be pulling out the stops to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee this year.
Nationally, an extended bank holiday, from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 June, will provide an opportunity for people across the UK to mark this historic milestone.
In Oldham, a packed weekend of Jubilee activities will include a light procession and Beacon lighting with music from the Oldham Scottish Pipe Band; a two-day family-friendly festival with street theatre, live music, dance, art, and activities including arts and crafts, and big screens showing the national Jubilee Pageant in London.
People from across the borough will have the opportunity to celebrate together at street parties in their own communities, with funding available for 70 groups to throw parties in their neighbourhoods. Further details of how to apply will be made available soon.
There will be numerous ways for schools and communities to get involved in events throughout the Jubilee weekend; such by taking part in the Beacon parade; joining in with family-friendly workshops; and even helping to create the UK's longest length of Jubilee bunting.
Full details of events, timings and locations will be available nearer to the event dates.
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