Spectacular chimney explosion to be followed by homes plan

A 40-metre high chimney in Oldham has been blown up to make way for a development of 80 new homes on the site.

A planning application is set to be submitted following the explosion, in traditional style, of the 650 tonne chimney and the eventual soft demolition of the adjacent five-storey Durban Mill on Hollins Road, Hollinwood.

The Mill which has been derelict for seven years was purchased recently by Grasscroft Property and the demolition contracts are being undertaken by Lymm-based ADM Regeneration.

Around 96% of the materials extracted from the site demolition will be recycled and reclaimed including floor boards, bricks, steel, basement flags and Lancashire boilers.

The demolition phase is part of Grasscroft’s regeneration plan for the site with the company exchanging contracts with Countryside Properties which will be working up a planning application over the coming months for about 80 new build homes.

The site is located half a mile from Junction 22 of the M60 motorway and is approximately one mile from Oldham town centre and five miles from Manchester city centre. The site also close to the Hollinwood railway station.

Grasscroft managing director Mike Coulter said: “The demolition works on site and the exchange of contracts with Countryside Properties mark the first step towards seeing the Durban Mill site fully regenerated.

“After a period of dereliction, it’s fantastic to be able to create the conditions for the site to be brought back into its full potential with a much needed, contemporary residential development.”

Countryside Properties’ sales and marketing director Peter Vella said:
“Countryside will be working up its designs and a planning application for circa 80 modern homes on the Durban Mill site and we are hoping to have the application lodged with the Oldham Borough Council early in the New Year.

“Our proposed scheme will go some way to creating a good percentage of Oldham’s much needed new housing stock.”