‘Gateway to Oldham’ set for multi-million pound transformation

Ambitious plans have been announced to transform a major ‘gateway to Oldham town centre.’

First Choice Homes Oldham has confirmed plans that will see improvement work carried out on more than 100 homes and the demolition of two ageing tower blocks to make way for much-needed family homes.  

The proposals are part of the housing association’s vision for the future of Oldham that will see over 800 new homes being built over the next five years.

First Choice Homes has carried out a major review of its high-rise housing blocks to ensure its homes are in good condition and provide value to customers.

The review found that the 1970s blocks, Crossbank House and Summervale House, no longer meet the needs of customers and should be replaced. 

Both blocks are unpopular with local people and while there are no safety concerns, extensive repairs and maintenance at considerable cost would be needed to extend their life.  

Last year one fifth of all people living in Crossbank House and Summervale House decided to move out.

While satisfaction with the landlord performance remains high, less than half of the people living in the blocks said they were satisfied with the neighbourhood where the blocks are located.

A total of 247 properties will be affected by the demolition.

First Choice Homes Oldham will be working closely with all customers who will be affected by the plans.

All customers will be supported to identify homes and will be given a high priority status on the housing list.

Compensation of £6,300 will be provided to First Choice Homes Oldham customers moving out, along with financial support for removal and relocation costs.

Vinny Roche, Chief Executive of First Choice Homes Oldham, said: “We understand that this may come as a shock to some customers.

"I want to reassure people that we have not taken this decision lightly and that our ultimate ambition is, and always will be, to improve the lives of people in Oldham.

“Our absolute priority now will be to work with customers living within Crossbank House and Summervale House, to discuss their needs and provide them with all the help and support they require to find and move into another home.”

Customers living in the blocks have been informed about the plans through a hand delivered letter and have been invited to a series of information events where they can meet with First Choice Homes staff about the plans.

Staff will also be stationed at the Crossbank Community Room throughout October to answer questions and assist people in finding new properties.

A dedicated hotline number and email address has also been created.

Customers with questions about the plans should call 0161 393 5262 or email: advice@fcho.co.uk   

Timeframes for people moving out of the blocks will vary but work to help people find new homes will start immediately.

The process is expected to take between 18 months to two years.

First Choice Homes plans to redevelop the site with much-needed family homes.

There is high demand for three and four-bedroom properties in Oldham, yet a very limited number become available for rent each year.

That means families face the choice of potentially spending years waiting on the housing waiting list, or moving to a smaller, less suitable, home.   

The landlord will work with Oldham Council and the local community to draw up potential plans for the site.  

The transformation plans will also see external improvement works carried out on around 100 homes at Montgomery House and Littlemoor House.

Consultation with residents on these plans will begin over the coming months.

Mr Roche added: “We have worked hard to develop plans that will give people better homes to live in, both now and in the future.

“We want to create neighbourhoods that provide people with a great place to live and deliver new properties that bring the right mix of quality homes to Oldham.

“The redevelopment of the high-rise site in the Coldhurst area forms part of our wider plans to invest in building over 800 new homes in the next five years.

"In addition to this, the refurbishment work at two other high-rise blocks will see over 100 residents benefitting from major improvements to their homes.

“We are absolutely committed to working with our customers who are directly affected by these plans and are offering all the help they require to support them in finding a new home.

“We are proud to live and work in Oldham and want to make sure any decisions we make will positively benefit the people living in our town in the long term.

"We believe that this could be the start of a wider investment and regeneration of the gateway to Oldham.”

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