FCHO delivers 29 new homes and aims to improve lives with development in Sholver

The £4.7m scheme forms part of regeneration work in the Sholver neighbourhood and created full-time jobs for three FCHO customers

First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) has completed 29 new homes at its Hillside development in Sholver and "made a positive difference to the local community and businesses in the region".

The six four-bedroom, eleven three-bedroom and six two-bedroom homes, along with six one-bedroom apartments - all for affordable rent - are part of FCHO's work to build 750 much-needed new homes in Oldham and surrounding areas over the next six years to help meet housing need.

Underlining the social housing provider’s pledge to support the local economy and create jobs and training opportunities through its work, the build has been delivered by local contractor, Casey, which holds the same values.

The £4.7m scheme forms part of regeneration work in the Sholver neighbourhood and created full-time jobs for three FCHO customers.

It also provided a work experience placement for an FCHO customer, arranged through the housing provider’s employment service, Directions.

FCHO also upgraded the car park and boundary fencing at the nearby Hillside Nursery and provided planters for the edible garden.

A team from Casey volunteered their time painting at the Sholver and Moorside Community Hub and supported a host of FCHO’s community activities during the pandemic.

Oldham-based firms, Whiteley Eaves and Nicol Thomas were partners in the scheme.

Joel Owen, Director of Development at FCHO, said: “I wish all our customers at Hillside the very best in their new homes.

“Improving lives through high quality, modern homes is what we’re all about and I’m proud of the excellent work done here to not only build much-needed homes, but also through great teamwork we’ve managed to make a really positive difference in the local community.

"This is a great example of a land and package deal brought to us from Casey and we hope to work on similar schemes with them in the near future.”

Alan Taylor, Director at Casey, said: “It has been brilliant working in partnership with FCHO on the Sholver development to provide high quality homes for the new residents.

"It was important to us to leave a legacy in the area and to help those affected by the pandemic, which we have been able to do by a variety of social value initiatives.”

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