Watchdog praises £90m Pathfinder

Housing scheme earns top rating

THE scheme to transform Oldham’s poorest housing has got top marks from an independent watchdog.

The Audit Commission judged that the Oldham and Rochdale Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder is performing strongly, the highest rating possible.

The commission said the scheme, which has £90 million to spend across the two towns by 2011, understands local housing markets, raises design quality and is providing affordable housing and a good mix of homes.

Pathfinder Director Alastair Graham welcomed the news, adding: “This confirms that the Pathfinder is doing an excellent job to tackle the deep-seated problems in the housing market across the two boroughs.

“We were assessed against a wide range of criteria during the week-long visit. We are delighted to have been given the highest possible overall rating.

“The refurbishments we are doing in areas such as Derker and Werneth are having really positive impacts on people’s lives.”

The report praises the Pathfinder for its delivery, impact, efficiency, effectiveness and its approach to developing a sense of community.

The high quality new-build and refurbishment of properties is making a positive visible impact on neighbourhoods and people’s lives, it added.

Sixty-three homes of high design quality are approaching completion at Suthers Court in Werneth, with hundreds more planned at other sites.

More than 450 homes across the Pathfinder area were given a new lease of life through extensive refurbishment last year.

The report found that consultation has been at the heart of the Pathfinder’s approach, with events in the past year in Alt, Sholver, Primrose Bank and Derker.

It has carried out broad-ranging research into who is buying new-build homes, what attracts them, the nature of changes to the private-rented sector and the aspirations of students and graduates.

It also has an influential role in developing economic strategy across Greater Manchester, linking to wider regeneration and economic development in the boroughs, including the Metrolink extension and the Kingsway business park development off junction 21 of the M62 at Rochdale.