FCHO's latest £6.4m development gets underway

Ground has been broken at First Choice Homes Oldham’s (FCHO) latest £6.4 million development of 27 affordable homes off Bury Old Road in Heywood.

Local MP Elsie Blundell and Rochdale borough councillor and cabinet member for housing Danny Meredith recently did the honours with spades in hand at the brownfield site. 

“I was really pleased to break ground at this First Choice Homes development,” said Heywood and Middleton North MP Mrs Blundell.  Quality, affordable housing is important for local residents, and the energy-efficient features will benefit the budgets of tenants for many years to come.  

"I’m excited by the pipeline of future homes to be built, and I am always impressed by the quality of FCHO’s homes and their work with the council to look ahead to future needs.” 

Councillor Merdith said: “It is great to see this brownfield site being brought into such important use for much-needed new homes in our borough. 

“The homes for social rent will go to people on Rochdale's waiting list, and the rent to buy will help those who want to get a foot on the property ladder as this new development helps address the local housing emergency.” 

Built Developments Limited will construct the 12 two-bedroom and 15 three-bedroom properties. Nineteen are for social rent and eight rent-to-buy. The completion is scheduled for May next year. 

FCHO executive director of corporate services and deputy chief executive Andy Ewart added: “Work is forging ahead on this development, and we were delighted to have both Mrs Blundell and Councillor Meredith on site for the breaking ground ceremony. 

“FCHO has ambitious plans to build at least 600 new affordable homes across the area over the next few years and having spades in the ground in Heywood shows we are getting on with the job. 

“It was also important to discuss our development pipeline in Rochdale and in Oldham with these elected representatives and to explain just how energy efficient these new off-gas homes will be by utilising technology such as solar panels and smart meters.” 

Others at the groundbreaking ceremony were FCHO land and acquisitions Officer Sara Lightfoot and Built Developments procurement lead Kaden McCabe.