Landmark contract signed for new housing and regeneration project in Oldham
Oldham Council has (today) agreed a landmark deal to develop new
public housing across four sites in the Borough through the
"Gateways to Oldham" PFI contract.
The Council and the Inspiral Oldham Consortium, which consists
of Regenter, Wates Living Space and Great Places Housing Group,
officially signed the 25-year contract on [date].
The project will see around 700 new homes being built or
refurbished over three years on the Crossley and Primrose Bank
estates and on brownfield sites at Westwood and Fitton Hill and is
a significant boost to the construction industry in Oldham.
Councillor Dave Hibbert, Cabinet Member for Housing, Transport
and Regeneration said: "This agreement has been a lengthy process,
but one that I firmly believe has been well worth the wait. Oldham
Council and Inspiral Oldham are now able to move forward and
provide better housing and amenities for residents.
Jim Saunders, Managing Director of Regenter, added: "This is a
hugely important project which will provide new and improved
housing, open spaces and community facilities. We look forward to
working in close partnership with Oldham Council and our consortium
partners."
Most of the properties will be made available for rent through
the Choice Based Lettings Scheme, operated on the Authority's
behalf by First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO). These properties will
be managed for the Council by the Great Places Housing Group and
maintained by Wates Living Space.
Homes for sale will also be made available on two sites -
Primrose Bank, Ashton Road and Dew Way, Westwood - by Plum Life, a
subsidiary of Great Places.
As well as new homes, two new purpose-built community centres
will be provided on the Crossley and Primrose Bank estates, and a
new retail space developed at Crossley. These estates will also see
new parks and open spaces for residents.
Additional benefits will include opportunities for local
residents to take up employment and training opportunities with
Wates Living Space and local companies once construction starts.
This will be facilitated through Wates' established partnership
with J21, the local Construction Employment and Training initiative
and will utilise J21's close links to local contractors.
Wates Living Space has already taken on six apprentices through
J21 to help deliver the project. The apprentices will have the
opportunity to combine work on site with attendance at Oldham
College to achieve formal qualifications in their chosen trade.
It is envisaged that up to a further 3300 weeks of paid work and
training placements will be provided under the contract for the
benefit of the local community. In addition, Wates will provide 800
weeks of work experience placements.
Ian Burnett, Managing Director of Wates Living Space said "Wates
Living Space is delighted to be delivering this landmark
regeneration scheme. We look forward to working with the consortium
members not just to deliver much needed new and improved homes but
to bring benefits to the whole community through investment and
employment opportunities."
Substantial consultation took place with tenants and residents
throughout the whole process, from the preparation of the Council's
bid for PFI funding to the selection of Inspiral as preferred
contractor.
Two estate Stakeholder Groups were also formed including
residents from Crossley and Primrose Bank to help evaluate bidders'
proposals at each stage of the procurement process.
Residents will continue to be involved in the delivery of the
project through participation in new Estate Forums and a Residents
Panel to be formed and supported by Great Places.
Stephen Porter, chief executive of Great Places Housing Group
said: "This is the beginning of a new and exciting era for
residents and project partners. We're delighted to be starting work
to transform Crossley and Primrose Bank into truly great places to
live, and to develop much-needed new homes in Westwood and Fitton
Hill."
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS:
About Regenter:
Regenter is a leading investor, operator and developer of
housing-led, community-based regeneration schemes. Regenter
specialises in working closely with its clients and developing best
local solutions to suit each different community's needs, ensuring
that projects are sustainable, affordable and
deliverable.
As investors and managers of projects our, Regenter's returns
are measured and aligned in accordance with the success of its
local solutions in delivering real improvements within the
communities its serves. Regenter is a 50/50 joint venture
between John Laing and Pinnacle Regeneration Group.
For further information contact: Jess Wood, Group Communications
Manager, on 020 7901 3200 or go to www.regenter.com
