£32m Prince's Gate flats construction starts in Oldham

Construction has officially begun on the Prince's Gate development in Oldham town centre, marking a major step forward in the borough's housing plans. The £32 million project will deliver 331 new flats, including 75 affordable homes, on a site that has been underused for years. The development, which includes shops and green spaces, is being built by Rowan Ashworth Ltd after the council delegated the contractor selection to senior officials rather than holding a public cabinet meeting.

The project is backed by £31.5 million from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority's Good Growth Funding, with additional government support. The affordable homes will be partly funded through the council's Right-to-Buy capital receipts, money generated when council tenants purchase their homes. This funding model has drawn some attention as it uses proceeds from existing council housing to build new affordable homes.

Phase 1 of the development will deliver the 75 affordable homes, followed by Phase 2 which will provide 256 build-to-rent properties. The scheme is part of Oldham Council's broader regeneration strategy to create a more vibrant and inclusive town centre. Council leader Arooj Shah said the development addresses real demand for housing in the borough and represents an important milestone in the town's regeneration.

The Prince's Gate project is being delivered through the Oldham Town Living partnership between the council and Muse, the developer behind the wider town centre regeneration. Senior development manager Alex Vogel said the project will transform a key town centre site and deliver high-quality homes for local people. With shovels now in the ground, the development marks a visible sign of progress in Oldham's ongoing efforts to revitalise its town centre and provide much-needed housing.