Pathfinder celebrates year of success

THE programme charged with the complete regeneration of housing across Oldham and Rochdale is toasting its success following the publication of the latest annual report.

The Pathfinder scheme has built over 250 new homes and refurbished more than 400 in the past year and has purchased over eight hectares of land for future development.

The project has also secured a further £90 million from the Government’s Communities and Local Government Department for the next three years and has developed a business plan which is expected to attract more than £40 million from the Housing Corporation and more than £12 million from English Partnerships by 2011.

And as well as attracting massive investments, the scheme has won plaudits in the national development journal, Regenerate, as one of top 25 organisations in the country for delivering high-quality regeneration.

The Audit Commission’s February, 2008, report also described Pathfinder as performing strongly and the programme has also won national design awards for two of its new developments and developing new urban design guidance with Rochdale and Oldham Councils.

Working with the local community continues to be a key focus, with the recent launch of the Werneth is Changing website.

The site, which helps residents keep up to date with all the latest changes, is also helping to develop the identity which is changing perceptions in the area and can be reached on www.wernethischanging.co.uk  

The establishment of J21, the construction partners for HMR, has also been credited with supporting 121 local people into jobs in the construction industry since 2005.

John McGuire, chairman of the Oldham and Rochdale Pathfinder, said: “The annual report shows that Pathfinder is really turning around communities in Rochdale and Oldham and making a positive difference to people’s lives — a difference that I am proud to say will be felt for generations to come.”

The 2007-8 annual report is available to residents in HMR neighbourhoods and can also be found on the website at www.oldhamrochdalehmr.co.uk