New £20m development brings nearly 100 affordable homes to Oldham
A new £21m affordable housing development named 'West Vale' has been completed in Oldham, providing 88 homes. The project, a partnership between First Choice Homes Oldham and Caddick Construction, includes energy-efficient features like air source heat pumps, making the homes gas-free and cheaper to heat. The development replaces two condemned tower blocks and has been recognized with an award for best affordable housing. It addresses local housing needs with a focus on sustainability and local supply chains.
Oldham’s skyline has a fresh face after First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) handed over the keys to 88 new affordable homes at the £21 million West Vale scheme, replacing two condemned 1960s tower blocks that were demolished in 2021.
The seven-storey apartment block and adjoining houses rise on a former “pocket of land” off West Street, marketed as the gateway to the town centre. Every property carries an Energy Performance Certificate rating of B and runs without gas; air-source heat pumps and other sustainable technologies are expected to cut winter heating bills for owners and tenants.
Steve Agger, FCHO executive director of homes, said:
“We have been proud to partner with Caddick Construction on our development at West Vale. The high quality of the build has made for a top-class project using local suppliers and contractors in many cases.”
Caddick Construction, which oversaw the build, drew heavily on Greater Manchester supply chains, according to regional managing director Dave Saville. The scheme picked up the Best Affordable Housing Development award at this year’s Housing Executive Awards in Bolton.
Oldham council says 8,000 households remain on its housing waiting list, with some applicants waiting more than seven years. West Vale is the latest in a string of affordable schemes completed across the borough in the past five years as officials attempt to chip away at the backlog.
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