Two firms bid to redevelop estate

THE transformation of the Primrose Bank estate is a step closer following the demolition of flats and maisonettes.

The properties, which were built in the 1960s, will be replaced by around 200 new homes close to the Ashton Road gateway into Oldham.

Demolition contractors should have the site cleared by next summer. The clearance has been funded by the Housing Market Renewal programme.

Councillor John McCann, cabinet member for housing, said: “This is an important milestone. We are approaching the end of the process to select our developer partner and clearing sites to build new homes will put us in a strong position to make good progress.”

New homes will be available to rent and buy, and the remaining council-owned homes will be refurbished.

The Gateways to Oldham team at Oldham Council, which is overseeing the project, believes the first of the new homes could be finished by the end of 2010.

Tenants and owner-occupiers have been offered advice, support and compensation packages to help them deal with the move to new accommodation.

Two consortia, Inspiral and Solutions for Oldham, are competing in the final stages of the bidding process for the contract to redevelop the estate.

The preferred bidder will be chosen before summer next year.

Designs so far include plans for recreational amenities, an improved environment, a safer neighbourhood and a community centre.

The council is also working with bidders for housing on the Crossley estate in Chadderton and several empty brown-field sites .