Estates set for revamp

THE multi-million-pound transformation of two run-down housing estates has moved a step closer.

Planning applications have been submitted to build and refurbish hundreds of homes on Crossley in Chadderton and Oldham’s Primrose Bank.

They are part of a £130 million Private Finance Initiative to overhaul the two estates along with sites in Coldhurst, Westwood and Fitton Hill.

Work has already started to demolish hundreds of crumbling properties. They will be replaced with 85 homes on Crossley, while another 365 will be refurbished. Primrose Bank will get 192 new homes and 98 will be revamped.

New community centres will also be built on both estates along with improvements to open spaces, parking, pavements and lighting.

The Gateways project was first announced several years ago and will provide much-needed family homes for rent and sale.

Last month, Oldham Council named the Inspiral consortium — which comprises Regenter, Great Places and Rok — as its preferred bidder to deliver the landmark scheme.