Work on a £4.5m scheme to build 19 affordable and energy-saving homes in Oldham is now underway.
First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) is behind the development in Hathershaw as part of a strategy to deliver 1,100 high quality, sustainable properties in Oldham and the surrounding area by 2026 – to meet increasing demand across the region.
FCHO has enlisted Arca Construct Ltd as the main contractor for the development estimated to be completed by summer 2025.
The scheme, utilising £1.07m Homes England funding and a £285,000 Brownfield Housing Fund grant via Greater Manchester Combined Authority, involves transforming a former garage site into homes for affordable rent, comprising of 16 three-bedroom houses in Belgrave Road and a further three three-bedroom homes in neighbouring Thatcher Street.
As part of FCHO’s green focus and sustainability targets set in its Big Plan and Sustainability Strategy, all the homes are eco-friendly. Each property is being built to ensure the performance of materials that make up the building are maximised – known as a ‘fabric first approach’. Each home will be highly insulated and designed to be highly energy efficient. They are set to achieve Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) B, supporting FCHO customers to save money on utility bills and minimise their carbon footprint.
Today, Joel Owen, Development Director at FCHO said: “It is fantastic to see these energy-efficient and affordable homes starting to take shape. Not only do they complement our commitment to provide high quality and affordable homes to people in the communities we are based in and serve, but also our work to have sustainable and energy-efficient housing stock.”
Nigel Lonsdale, Head of Construction at Arca Construct said: “We understand the critical role First Choice Homes Oldham plays in providing affordable housing and are delighted to be working with them on this scheme. We pride ourselves on being a trusted partner, delivering exceptional results at competitive rates. Our membership in the Considerate Constructors Scheme and CHAS Elite underscores our commitment to quality and responsible construction.”
