Revamp of sheltered homes tops 1,000

89 per cent of tenants happy with results

More than 1,000 of the sheltered bungalows and flats being improved in Oldham’s multi-million refurbishment contract have been finished.

And 89 per cent of older people are happy with their new or modernised homes.

But some tenants still need help with their new heating or electrical systems, and were not happy with the information they got while they were living in temporary homes.

The progress on the scheme, which is being carried out by Oldham Retirement Housing Partnership (Housing 21) and Bullock Construction, will be reported to councillors on Thursday.

The contract is worth more than £400 million over the next 30 years and means around 1,500 sheltered homes are undergoing major building and refurbishment work.

Over 660 of the 854 bungalows in the scheme are finished, with four more areas — Holts, Royton, Alt and Shaw — due to be completed by July this year. Eleven sheltered schemes of 335 units are finished, and four more, with 134 units, will be finished this year. They are at Chew Vale, Greenfield; Throstle Court, Royton; Millgate, Hollins; and Old Mill House, Springhead.

Four more, with a total of 133 units, will be started this year at Hood Square, Grotton; Violet Hill Court, Waterhead; St Herbert’s Court, Chadderton; and Springlees and Dunsford Courts in Lees.

Eight of the sheltered housing schemes will have extra care facilities, providing higher levels of personal care for frail residents. The schemes will include communal areas, restaurants, health facilities and hairdressers.

Councillors will hear that more emphasis will be given to letting tenants have information about the timetable of works, the length of stays in temporary homes, and new heating systems.