Foundations laid in housing plan

Council names bidder

PLANS for a massive £130 million investment in new public housing have moved a step closer.

Oldham Council has named the Inspiral consortium — which comprises Regenter, Great Places and Rok — as its preferred bidder to deliver the landmark “Gateways to Oldham” project.

The council secured funding from the Government’s Private Finance Initiative (PFI) for the project which will see the construction of 430 new homes for rent or sale — plus the extensive refurbishment of 324 existing social rented properties on five sites across the borough.

Two of the sites are the existing Crossley and Primrose Bank estates, and three are undeveloped “brownfield” sites in Coldhurst, Westwood and Fitton Hill. The scheme will also help regenerate key road and rail gateways into the heart of Oldham.

Councillor John McCann said: “We are delighted to be able to confirm the appointment of Inspiral to deliver what will be a landmark social housing project for Oldham.”

“The bidding process was fiercely competitive and we are now looking forward to working with Inspiral on realising our vision to provide the new high-quality family homes that are so desperately needed.

“These will be energy-efficient properties built to last using quality materials.”

Regenter is the lead investor, developer and manager for the project. Great Places Housing Group is co-investor, developer and will provide neighbourhood and estates management services. Rok Building will construct all new homes, modernise the existing council properties and provide the long term maintenance for all social housing.

In advance of the start of the Gateways project, Oldham Council officers have already re-housed residents from 250 properties and around 100 homes have been demolished on the Crossley and Primrose Bank estates.

The council expects to sign a contract with Inspiral in spring, 2010.