Going... going... gone!

Date published: 18 February 2022

Two iconic tower blocks in Oldham town centre have been reduced to rubble as demolition experts tear down the final floors of the buildings.

In 2020, housing association First Choice Homes (FCHO) decommissioned Crossbank House and Summervale House, which stood at the so-called ‘gateway’ to the town at the junction of Manchester Street and Oldham Way.

Demolition was approved by council planning bosses last summer.

Now, the demolition of the two towers is reaching the final stages.  Local contractors, D Hughes Demolition & Excavation Ltd - based in Delph - are carrying out the work.

The 1960s tower blocks will be replaced with a £12 million new development - a mix of apartments and houses.

The new properties are to be split between 26, two, three and four-bedroom houses and 62 one and two-bedroom apartments within an eight-storey building with access off Vale Drive.

Each house will have one parking space, and the apartment block would have nine parking spaces, including one disabled space.

An area of public open space will be provided under the proposals on a piece of land by Broome Street, with a play area for children which will be maintained and managed by First Choice.

Joel Owen, FCHO Director of Development said: “Demolition of the tower blocks is an important milestone in our West Vale development and makes way for us to transform the area and improve the lives of local people.
 
"Supporting the local economy and creating opportunities for local businesses and people is important to us and I’m delighted to be partnering with a local firm that shares our commitment to leaving a lasting and positive legacy in the community."

Construction of the new homes is to begin once the site has been cleared, with homes due to be completed in Autumn 2023.

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