Oldham set to unveil partner for development of 54 homes

OLDHAM Council is set to announce the name of its development partner to build aspirational new homes on the former St Augustine’s school site.

At its cabinet on June 22 councillors will be asked to approve Linden Homes – part of the Galliford Try Partnership – as the developer for the Grange Avenue site.

The firm was selected as the prospective partner following a council-run selection process.

If approved the construction of high-quality new homes is set to start on-site early next year.

The development comprises 54 homes, a mixture of three and four bedroom houses.

As part of their bid Galliford Try Partnership estimated 54 opportunities will be created in various capacities such as work experience, apprenticeships and employment opportunities – supporting the council’s Get Oldham Working campaign.

The firm have also said they will support local schools, colleges and training providers.

Councillor Dave Hibbert, cabinet member for  housing, planning and transport, said: “Once we knew St Augustine’s was surplus to requirements we moved quickly to demolish the building as we know from past experience that empty schools can become magnets for anti-social behaviour and cause problems for residents.

“Since then we have been actively working to find a development partner which wants to work with us and create a neighbourhood where people want to live

“We are pleased Galliford Try Partnership has formally expressed their interest in coming on board.
 
“As part of their bid the firm has committed to supporting our Get Oldham Working initiative  by providing jobs, work experience, training and other community benefits targeted at people living in the local area, so if selected as our construction partners, they would be helping the local economy grow.”