Oldham Council agreees £113m PFI housing scheme

OLDHAM Council has agreed a deal to develop public housing at four new sites across the borough through a £130m PFI contract.

The Gateways to Oldham PFI deal has been signed with the Inspiral Oldham Consortium, comprising Regenter, Wates Living Space and Great Places Housing Group.

The 25-year contract was signed on Wednesday, November 30.
The project will see around 700 new homes being built or refurbished over three years on the Crossley and Primrose Bank estates, and on brownfield sites at Westwood and Fitton Hill.

Councillor Dave Hibbert, cabinet member for Housing, Transport and Regeneration, said: “This agreement has been a lengthy process, but one that I firmly believe has been well worth the wait.

“Oldham Council and Inspiral Oldham are now able to move forward and provide better housing and amenities for residents.”

The Government has approved £113m to fund the capital costs of the housing development, which will be paid to the Council in the form of an annual grant over the 25-year period.

Deborah McLaughlin, North West executive director at the Homes & Communities Agency, said: “It’s great to see the progress that has now been made in this key scheme for Oldham.

“The signing of this PFI contract marks a major milestone in the regeneration of the town by providing a clear, long-term commitment from partners to increase the provision of affordable homes for local people.”

Most of the properties will be made available for rent via First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO). They will be managed by the Great Places Housing Group and maintained by Wates Living Space.

Homes will also be made available for sale at Primrose Bank and Westwood through Great Places subsidiary Plum Life.