Kellen Homes has handed over the keys to the first homes on the highly sought after Mill Vale development in Middleton to partners Sigma Capital Group and First Choice Homes Oldham.
The housebuilder and housing providers visited the site to officially mark the milestone handover of the first houses in the 311 homes development, which will include 45 affordable homes — four specially adapted for people with a disability — as well as 99 ‘built to rent’ properties for Sigma’s Simple Life Homes. Kellen Homes has also opened the three show homes on the site and released the first of its open market homes for sale.
The new community of homes is being built off Don Street in Middleton on the site of the former British Vita land either side of the River Irk.
Ian Kelley, Chief Executive of Kellen Homes, described the day as a significant landmark. Ian said: “It is exciting to see the first homes in this locally important development handed over to both Sigma and First Choice Homes Oldham alongside the release of the first phase of homes for sale on the open market by Kellen Homes.
“Mill Vale is in a superb location and everyone who has visited and seen the site and the show homes has praised the high quality and design. It is a genuine pleasure to collaborate with established partners to bring forward a mixed-tenure development that is tailored to meet local needs.”
Keith McFarlane, Head of Development at First Choice Homes Oldham commented: “This project is a perfect example of our continued commitment to provide energy-efficient, good quality affordable housing for rent and shared ownership.
“So, it is fantastic to have the keys to the first 22 of our 45 Mill Vale properties. The majority of these properties — all three or two-bedroom homes — have already been let. We look forward to receiving the keys to the remaining homes in the coming months.”
Lee Catterall, Associate Development Director at Sigma, added: “It has been extremely rewarding witnessing the handover milestone at Mill Vale. This new development is a true testament to the hard work that has been put in across all partners to provide high-quality homes to the local area.
“It’s great to see our partnership with Kellen is continuing to leave a legacy of regeneration and we are delighted to deliver this important project.”
Kellen Homes is making a financial contribution of more than £1m towards education, outdoor sports and wildlife and plant life as part of the scheme and the plans also include the first part of a future link road with Hilton Fold Lane, while allotments will be transferred to the council. A total of 550 new trees will be planted on site and 60 bird boxes and 30 bat boxes erected. Kellen Homes will also make a financial contribution of £91,650 towards plant life and wildlife habitat offsite.
Header image: Marking the first handovers at Mill Vale from left — Keith McFarlane Head of Development at First Choice Homes Oldham, Lee Catterall Associate Development Director at Sigma, Ellie Frith Head of Land and Partnerships at Kellen Homes, Joanne Robertson Customer Service Manager at Kellen Homes and Neil Jones Build Manager at Kellen Homes. Image Credit: First Choice Homes Oldham.
