Builders battle it out for contract

TWO groups of builders and financiers are going head to head to improve two Oldham council estates.

Plans to improve the Crossley and Primrose Bank Estates under the Gateways to Oldham scheme have moved a step closer after officers chose two consortia to bid to carry out the work.

As well as improving the estates, the successful bidder will build 355 council houses — mainly three, four and five-bedroom; build 281 homes for sale; construct recreational areas and refurbish 323 council houses.

They will also build on five brownfield sites in Coldhurst, Westwood and Fitton Hill.

The consortia are Inspiral, which is made up of Manchester Methodist Housing Association, ROK Construction and financiers Regenta; and S4O, which is made up of Contour Housing Association, builders Roland Bardsley and Cruden, and financiers Nationwide and Equitix.

The final choice will be made in the next few months.