Oldham History Project celebrates regeneration scheme’s tenth anniversary

Great Places Housing Group is teaming up with award-winning charity Manchester Histories to run a local history project to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Gateways to Oldham housing and regeneration venture. 

The ten-year £113m Public Finance Initiative (PFI) delivered by the Inspiral Oldham Consortium, made up of Great Places Housing Group and Wates Living Space, has transformed four areas across Oldham: Crossley in Chadderton, Dew Way in Westwood Primrose Bank in Medlock Vale and Keswick Avenue in Fitton Hill.

The project has included the construction of new homes, refurbishment of existing homes and the creation of two community centres. 

The six-month project will involve interviewing people who lived in these four areas before the regeneration work started and document their memories along with those of the local and wider community.

The aim is to connect residents with those who’ve gone before and those who will come after.

The shared stories and photos will be recorded in a book, to be launched at a celebration event and exhibition to be held at Gallery Oldham in September.

A copy of the finished book will also be added to the borough’s local archives.

Great Places’ has set up a project steering group for customers and local residents to get involved.

The group will also be involved in making key project decisions including the final celebration and exhibition. 

The project will also run a series of resident workshops working with an artist and historian.

The workshops will look to develop new skills including research, photography and visual storytelling and help participants increase their confidence and reduce social isolation.

The sessions will be held at the Crossley or Primrose Community Centres, built as part of the PFI project.

Commenting on the project, Paul Doherty, Great Places’ Housing Management PFI Manager, said: “I’m really excited about the plans we have for this project.

"I have a keen interest in social history so can’t wait to hear some of the memories and stories from people who lived in the area prior to the regeneration work taking place.”

“We hope that this project will provide a long-lasting reminder of the tenth anniversary for years to come and can be enjoyed by members of the local community.”

Karen Shannon, CEO at Manchester Histories, added: “This is a wonderful opportunity to work with local residents to explore the rich and often unheard histories of communities living in Oldham.  

"It’s important that these stories are told to connect people together, to learn from the past and to create positive futures for all.”

For further information on Manchester Histories, click here

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