Masterplan for eyesore mill

Views of Oldham from Hartford Works, Werneth. Pic shows Hartford Mill..

3 More Image(s) In Gallery

JIM McMahon has revealed the "masterplan" in place to regenerate Freehold, which could include the demolition of the iconic, but long derelict, Hartford Mill.

In his capacity as Regeneration Ambassador for Oldham, the Oldham West and Royton MP is bringing together landowners and funders to see the redevelopment of Freehold. The area in Werneth was left derelict following the loss of Housing Market Renewal funding by the Coalition Government in 2011. The area has been overshadowed by the derelict Hartford Mill, which has become a magnet for anti-social behaviour and an eyesore which greets visitors to Oldham from the new Metrolink tram station.

After years of wrangling, the owner of the mill has finally accepted that the abandoned building would cost too much for it to reach to a standard for any practical use.

The development of Suthers Court - homes developed by Keep Moat - and the Freehold Metrolink station which opened in 2012 gave the area a new lease of life.

However, much more needs to be done, including the potential demolition of Hartford Mill.

The owner is currently in discussions with the Local Authority looking at various options which will ultimately see the site being cleared.

The initial HMR framework agreement with Keepmoat included the development of further homes on the land surrounding the Hartford Mill. Keepmoat are refusing to proceed with the development of the land adjacent to the mill whilst the mill is still standing.

Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon organised a meeting with senior Oldham Council officers Darren Jones, director of economic development and Bryn Cooke, head of service for strategic property partnerships and investment division to discuss a masterplan for Freehold which will see the completion of the regeneration in the area.

Jim McMahon MP said "The area has the potential to be a desirable neighbourhood - not only is it a stone's throw from the town centre but it is right on the doorstep of the new Metrolink tram stop which connects it with Manchester city centre.

"The discontinuation of HMR funding presented huge challenges to the future of housing markets and caused neighbourhoods across the borough to be less popular to live in. I met with fantastic officers from Oldham Council who have made a commitment to work up the masterplan. The residents have waited long enough and I am delighted that things are finally moving on'.

"With the continued support of Oldham Council, who have been fantastic in their continued support we must now press ahead working with local people to plan the future for this important neighbourhood."