Construction is 'fully underway' on a £28m scheme to build 75 affordable homes in the centre of Oldham.

The Prince's Gate scheme is being brought forward by Oldham Council and developer Muse on the car park next to the Oldham Mumps Metrolink stop in Oldham town centre. The social homes will be built first, with an overall plan for 331 new homes for people living in the borough.

Willmott Dixon, alongside Legal & General Affordable Homes, will deliver the first phase. The scheme has support from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority's (GMCA) Good Growth Fund which was awarded in 2025. Work is now fully underway after initial ground investigations and works earlier this year, and it is expected to be finished in the summer of 2028.

The development will also include commercial space and public green space. It is the first of six schemes to move forward as part of the council's wider regeneration plans, which come with a promise of £285m worth of investment, more than 2,000 new homes, 1,000 new jobs, and 100 apprenticeships.

Emma Barton, Deputy Chief Executive (Place) at Oldham Council, said: "The strong progress of construction at Prince's Gate is an important milestone for Oldham, made possible through the strength of the partnership we have built with Muse and our delivery partners."

Alex Vogel, Senior Development Manager at Muse, said: "This progress reflects the value of partnership delivery."

The council's plans could be boosted by a new Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), a partnership with the GMCA which allows councils to power ahead with investment in town centres. According to a published notice, Greater Manchester Mayor Bev Craig is expected to make a decision on the MDC for Oldham later this month.

A survey found 83.4 per cent of online respondents supported the creation of the MDC, while 80.9pc agreed or strongly agreed that it would support development, growth and improvement. There were concerns about accountability, the area covered, green spaces, and making sure benefits were felt across the borough and not just in the town centre. In response, the GMCA said they had made changes to reflect this.