Funding secured to create a digital history of iconic tower blocks in Oldham

The tower blocks will be demolished later this year

First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) has successfully secured a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant to create a digital history of the neighbourhood where the iconic Oldham tower blocks, Crossbank House and Summervale House, now stand.
 
The work is part of the local housing association's proposed West Vale development, which will help meet local housing need.
 
This flagship project will see the tower blocks in Coldhurst demolished later this year, and 88 new family homes and apartments built in their place.
 
FCHO has received £54,685 funding from the National Lottery for the digital project called 'The Rise and Fall of Two Towers'. The cash boost will train local people to become community historians and tell their stories of life in the neighbourhood. These will be recorded for posterity on a dedicated website to be developed as part of the project.
 
Community development and digital inclusion are central to the two-year digital history programme that will be accessible to all, says Resma Patel, Funding and Partnerships Officer at FCHO.
 
"As well as providing a historical snapshot for future generations to come, this project is also about developing the digital skills of local people in the area and Oldham residents, whatever their previous experience. There will be something for everyone who wants to get involved.
 
"We're planning opportunities for those who haven't yet started their digital journey, beginners who need to build their confidence and skills, to those who want to take their next step with website development and management.
 
"We want to bring people together to preserve their stories about life in this area and participants will also help shape our regeneration work around Vale Drive. It's a very exciting project and I can’t wait to get started."
 
The project will launch at the end of May. Find out more on the project at fcho.co.uk

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