Deal signed for 700 homes

COUNCIL chiefs have agreed a landmark deal to develop new public housing across four sites as the Gateway to Oldham.

The £113 million scheme will see 700 new homes being built or refurbished over three years on the Crossley and Primrose Bank estates, as well as on brownfield sites in Westwood and Fitton Hill.

Oldham Council and the Inspiral Oldham Consortium, which consists of Regenter, Wates Living Space and Great Places Housing Group, have officially signed the 25-year PFI contract, which is being hailed as a significant boost to the construction industry in Oldham.

The Government has approved £113 million to fund the capital costs of the housing development, which will be paid to the council in the form of an annual grant over the term of the contract.

Most of the properties will be made available for rent through the Choice Based Lettings Scheme, operated on the authority’s behalf by First Choice Homes Oldham.

These properties will be managed for the council by the Great Places Housing Group and maintained by Wates Living Space.

Homes for sale will also be made available on two sites — Primrose Bank, Ashton Road and Dew Way, Westwood — by Plum Life, a subsidiary of Great Places.

Two new community centres will also be provided on the Crossley and Primrose Bank estates, and a new retail space developed at Crossley.

These estates will also see new parks and open spaces. Residents will also be able to take up employment and training opportunities with Wates Living Space and local companies once construction starts. Six apprentices have already been taken on.

Substantial consultation has taken place with tenants and residents and they will continue to be involved with estate forums and a residents’ panel.