New green homes in Waterhead complete

The new green homes in Waterhead are complete

Local people are set to benefit from the latest new high quality, energy efficient homes from housing association, First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO), now its development on Stephenson Street in Waterhead is complete.

The contemporary scheme of 12 two-bedroom apartments – FCHO’s first modular build – has transformed a brownfield site in the Waterhead neighbourhood using modern methods of construction to help residents save energy and money.

The £1.4m project is part of FCHO’s continued investment in building new affordable homes which meet housing need today and are fit for the future.

Through its ambitious development programme, the housing provider is delivering 1,100 low carbon homes in Oldham, Rochdale, Tameside, Calderdale and Kirklees to help tackle the shortage of affordable housing and improve the lives of local people.

The social landlord partnered with Heywood-based modular building specialist Multi Build UK to bring forward the Stephenson Street scheme, which was shortlisted for Best Approach to Modular Housing at the Northern Housing Awards 2021.

The much-needed apartments are off gas, each one highly insulated to achieve Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) band B and support customers to save money on utility bills and minimise their carbon footprint.

To help FCHO to attain high standards of quality and efficiency across the build and minimise waste, all components were precision engineered off-site at Multi Build UK’s factory.

Once the timber studwork internal walls, pre-fitted insulation and plasterboard, plumbing and electrics were ready, the units were delivered to the Stephenson Street site, lifted into place with a crane and assembled. 

Brickwork was added to the exterior of the three-storey building, together with a truss roof, to give the appearance of a traditionally built block of apartments and works to the interiors were completed.

Joel Owen, FCHO’s Director of Development, said: “Delivering our first modular scheme is a significant step forward in our plans to build more green, great homes that will make a difference to local people and futureproof our stock.

“Demand for affordable housing in Oldham continues to far outstrip supply and bridging this gap is a priority, along with finding new ways to deliver more homes that help customers save energy and money and minimise our environmental impact.

“Use of Multi Build UK’s modular system is a great example of how we’re responding to these challenges, and I’m delighted to see the project complete and residents moving into their new homes.”

Alistair Cameron, Multi Build UK’s Managing Director, said: “We are pleased to have successfully completed FCHO’s first modular development that offers a modern method of construction solution that will complement their housing requirements for energy efficient affordable homes.”

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