This line was constructed by the Manchester and Leeds Railway (M&LR), it ran from Oldham junction (later known as Middleton, then Middleton Junction), on the M&LR main line from Manchester to Leeds, the branch terminated at Oldham Werneth.
[5][7][8] The 'up' platform began shortly after the tunnel entrance and ended at the footbridge adjacent to the road-bridge carrying Clegg Street over the lines.
The platforms had ridge and furrow glazed canopies that originally extended the length of the buildings but were cut back by 1957.
[12][14] Although Central was conveniently located close to the town centre it was selected for closure, shutting on 18 April 1966.
[5] The name of the station survives in the Oldham Central tram stop, which opened on 27 January 2014 and is located on Union Street.