Deal secured for ten new sustainable homes in Shaw

Local housing association, First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO), is set to transform a former bowling green and garage site in Shaw into a £2.8m affordable housing development.

The development will help increase supply of more much-needed, affordable, sustainable homes in Oldham where demand continues to outstrip supply.

The investment is part of FCHO’s ongoing development strategy to deliver 1,100 new, high quality, energy efficient homes in Oldham, Rochdale, Tameside, Kirklees, and Calderdale 2020-2026 to improve the lives of local people.

The social landlord is in contract with Beardwell Developments to turn the brownfield site off Victoria Street and Farrow Street, Shaw into 10 four-bedroom houses.

Under the deal, FCHO will offer a range of tenures to help meet housing need.

Five homes for shared ownership marketed under FCHO’s Fabric Living brand are planned to make home ownership possible for more people.

Five properties for affordable rent will also be available – set at no more than 80% of market rent.

As part of the housing association’s drive to build sustainable homes which are fit for the future, all properties are designed to be highly energy efficient through a ‘fabric first’ approach and achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) B rating to help customers keep bills and carbon emissions down.

The project has received £515k grant funding from Homes England. Construction is underway and homes are due for completion in winter 2023.

Commenting on the housing provider’s latest development in Oldham, FCHO’s Director of Development, Joel Owen said: “The modern, energy efficient homes at this scheme are part of our ongoing work to increase the number of affordable homes locally to meet increasing demand.

"High house prices and a shortage of affordable options mean many local buyers face difficulty getting onto the property ladder.

"By building a variety of property types and offering a choice of tenures we want to help local people secure the quality homes they need.

“Important too is our brownfield first approach, bringing derelict sites into residential use and enhancing the local area for residents.

"We’re delighted to be partnering with Beardwell Developments on this project and look forward to welcoming new customers later this year.”

FCHO currently has 421 homes in progress on site with construction partners at 14 developments in Oldham, Rochdale, and Kirklees. In this financial year, the housing association is set to start a further 169 homes on site and complete 188 for shared ownership and affordable rent to help meet growing demand.

Read more at: www.fcho.co.uk

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.