Timber frame homes under construction at Broadway Green in Oldham

A new housing development at Broadway Green in Oldham is using a modern method of construction that means homes can be built more quickly than traditional ‘brick and block’ methods.

All of the 42 homes are being built with off-site manufactured timber-frame open panels, produced within a dry weather factory environment which, in turn, reduces the length of time to construct each home compared with traditional methods.

Stonebond and Great Places Housing Group are building the new homes, which form part of the Foxdenton Strategic Site.

This method of construction also significantly reduces carbon emissions and produces less waste, making it a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way to build, in addition to the factory quality enabling higher energy efficiency standards to be achieved.

Oldham Council is one of the joint venture partners delivering the Foxdenton Strategic site. Once complete it will provide 600,000 sq feet of employment space, creating up to 2,000 jobs and 500 homes.

Most of these 500 new homes have been completed, with Stonebond and Great Places set to deliver the final phase next year. 

Mark Russell, Managing Director of Stonebond Manchester, said: “Seeing our first timber frame home at Broadway Green is a really significant milestone for us and our partnership with Great Places.

“This method of construction is going to help us build faster and more sustainably, delivering the best outcomes for future residents.”

He added: “Since we announced our long term strategic partnership with Great Places last year, we’re already building 268 affordable homes across Greater Manchester, using modern methods of construction. Sites like Broadway Green will have a major impact on the area’s affordable housing supply, giving local people a great opportunity to own their home.”

Nick Gornall, Director of Development at Great Places, said: “Great Places is committed to innovative and sustainable construction methods, a vision which is shared by Stonebond and is one of the common themes forming the backbone of our partnership.

“This project is a testament to our joint commitment to provide high quality, affordable homes while supporting the local community and economy. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these homes will have on the lives of new customers.”

Cllr Elaine Taylor, Cabinet Member for Decent Homes at Oldham Council, said: “These new homes will give people much needed affordable new homes in a fantastic location.

“It’s great to see modern methods of construction being used – making the properties more sustainable, faster to build and energy efficient. This is great news for the environment and future residents.

“As a council, we are committed to working in partnership to deliver a local solution to the national housing crisis. This latest development at Broadway Green is a perfect example of that and I look forward to seeing the homes complete and new families moving in.”

Meanwhile, housing provider, First Choice Homes Oldham is celebrating delivery of 47 eco-friendly family homes in Middleton in a £12.2m deal with developer, Lovell.

Eden Park

The build is part of a continued drive by First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) to ensure local communities have access to affordable properties.

The 55-home Eden Park development delivered by Lovell comprises open market and affordable housing as well as a children’s play area, open space, pathways and connecting roads. Last month, FCHO formally took ownership of the 47 affordable tenure properties.

All residents have now completed phased moves into the properties which comprise:

• 19 shared ownership homes – namely, one- two-bedroom dwelling, 14 three-bed houses and four four-bed properties
• 11 affordable rent properties – namely, six two-bed homes, one three-bed house and four four-bed homes
• 17 rent-to-buy properties – namely, two two-bed homes, eight three-bed homes and seven four-bed homes

Work is currently under way on around 130 homes at four further sites in Middleton, Heywood and Littleborough to help boost supply for people in housing need.