We can’t Wates to get cracking

THE future is looking bright for 26 previously unemployed Oldhamers, who have managed to secure employment with Wates Living Space as part of the Gateways to Oldham project.

The £113 million project aims to continue the borough’s regeneration by investing the money into the building and refurbishing of homes across Oldham.

One third of the Inspiral Consortium, which has signed a 25-year contract to deliver improved public housing services for Oldham Council, Wates Living Space is currently building 317 new homes and renovating another 322.

The contractor has taken on the new workers over the last two months, since starting work on the project in December.

The regeneration project will also include the construction of two new community centres and a retail unit, along with improved parking facilities, footpaths and street lighting.

The initiative forms part of Wates’ Reshaping Tomorrow agenda, which includes working with local training providers, such as Oldham and Hopwood Hall Colleges.

Michael Dibden, of Chadderton, who has found work on Primrose Bank as a site labourer, said: “It’s great to be given the chance to work on what is such a big and important project for my home town. This was the career kick-start I was looking for.”

Pedro Vicente, from Royton, is working with Wates’ subcontractor, Stockley, as a computer-aided design (CAD) technician.

He said: “It is very rewarding to know that I am part of a team that is working toward a better Oldham. “

A total of 1,239-weeks paid employment will be available for local people within Wates’s supply chain, as well as voluntary roles.