The government has approved £20 million for Chadderton's Pride in Place regeneration project, marking the start of a decade-long renewal plan. Local residents will lead the transformation through the Chadderton Neighbourhood Board, which has been gathering community input via workshops and surveys. The first four years will focus on supporting local businesses, improving safety with new CCTV, enhancing public spaces, restoring Foxdenton Hall, and investing in youth provision. The project aims to make Chadderton better for everyone by improving streets, parks, cultural spaces, and historic buildings. An additional £20 million will go to the Alt neighbourhood as part of the same government strategy.
Amin Chowdhury, a serial fundraiser from Oldham, is undertaking a 100-mile trek from Chadderton to Chester during March while fasting for Ramadan. The walk links four mayoral areas and aims to raise money for local charity Mahdlo to support outdoor pursuits for children with disabilities and learning difficulties. The trek is backed by Mayors from Tameside, Warrington, Chester, and Oldham, with donations shared across their chosen charities including young carers services, homeless accommodation, domestic abuse refuge, and empowerment charity Positive Steps. Amin, who met King Charles after his coronation, is known for helping others and raising Oldham's profile through initiatives like the British Education Awards and Excellence in Oldham Awards.
Oldham Council approved a £20m project to convert Ram Mill's upper floors into 180 hotel rooms while the ground floor continues as a business centre. A separate application for 149 homes on Butterworth Lane, Chadderton, was approved despite traffic concerns, with 40% designated as affordable housing. Woodlands Primary School received permission to build a single-storey extension to create more SEND places, though several trees will be removed and replaced. The Butterworth Lane site previously housed South Chadderton School and Collective Spirit School, both closed following scandals.
A charity campaign led by Dr Anita Sharma from Chadderton has significantly raised awareness of endometriosis, a condition affecting one in 10 women. The charity, Endometriosis Awareness North, founded in 2021, has inspired books, pop records, and the BAFTA-winning short film 'This is Endometriosis'. Despite progress, diagnosis times have increased to nearly a decade, and Dr Sharma is calling for specialist treatment, research, and education about the condition.
Hafsa Batan from Oldham has been named First Choice Homes' February Hidden Hero for her work supporting young people during school holidays through the Chadderton-based Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme delivered by the Yuvanis Foundation. Mrs Batan, who has volunteered with the foundation for two years, was nominated by chief executive Zakir Ahmad for her 'outstanding contribution' as a trusted role model. She recently supported a residential trip to Castleshaw for young girls and received the award from FCHO project officer Ghazalla Iqbal along with a £50 shopping voucher. The HAF programme provides free food and activities for children receiving benefits-related free school meals during holidays.