Langtree hopes to light up Hollinwood

DEVELOPER Langtree has signed a strategic partnership agreement (SPA) with Oldham Borough Council in a bid to bring forward the redevelopment of the Hollinwood area.

Langtree was initially selected as the council’s preferred development partner for the area in 2007 but the onset of the credit crunch forced both parties to review their plans.

The council wants to focus efforts on building business parks and other leisure units on land close to the M60 ring road and last year it was looking to put together a bid for funding from Manchester’s Evergreen fund to kick-start work on the site.
The public-private partnership will oversee the development of four key sites measuring a total of 20 acres.

They are:-  a former mill site at Albert Street; Roman Road and Mersey Road North and a site in Pump Street.

The largest of the sites, at Roman Road, measures 10.6 acres, while the three remaining sites together account for just under a further 10 acres.

Councillor Jim McMahon, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “It gives me great pleasure to sign this Strategic Partnership Agreement with Langtree as it signals the start of an exciting phase in the regeneration of Hollinwood.

“By signing on the dotted line Oldham Council has signaled its commitment to work with Langtree to transform this area into a destination that will attract investors and new businesses.

“The redevelopment of these four key sites and the arrival of Metrolink in Hollinwood has the potential to bring many opportunities for the borough, in terms of job creation and economic benefits.

“It may have taken four years to reach this stage but I am sure in years to come residents and visitors to the Borough will agree that it was well worth the wait once our vision for the area is complete.”

John Downes, managing director at Langtree, said: “Ever since our appointment as preferred development partner, we have remained committed to delivering social and economic regeneration in Hollinwood. Signing this agreement marks the next stage in our journey to achieving that goal.

“Hollinwood’s proximity to the M60 and other key gateways makes it a hugely viable alternative to Manchester city centre and an incredibly desirable proposition for ambitious investors.

“We are in ongoing discussions with relevant parties and we will continue in our efforts to source potential tenants and investors ahead of development works commencing.”