Oldham MP Jim McMahon praises Fitton Hill housing development

Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton MP Jim McMahon has praised First Choice Homes Oldham’s (FCHO) Fitton Hill development by saying the project is building a new community.

The politician visited the site on Rosary Road last week where FCHO is starting to take delivery of 101 mainly family homes in a £15.7 million investment in partnership with developer Vistry Group. 

He met with FCHO and Vistry staff before looking around newly completed homes for shared ownership and social rent in the first phase of the project. 

These 29-three-and-four-bedroom properties are built on the site of the former Fitton Hill Secondary Modern School and will be completed this summer. The other 72 homes are being built nearby and will be finished in winter 2027. 

“There is something about seeing a brand-new neighbourhood being built and the quality of what’s being built here,” Mr McMahon said. 

“First Choice Homes and Vistry are really doing more than just building houses, they are genuinely building new communities and showing ambition for the future.” 

FCHO head of business management Lauren Ogboru added: “We were very pleased to show Mr McMahon around what is FCHO’s second biggest ever development in cash terms and the largest ever for the number of properties. 

“Fitton Hill is important because two-thirds of the properties are desperately needed three-and four-bedroom houses and by building them, we are helping to address this shortage. 

“The development also helps put FCHO firmly on schedule to build at least 600 new properties over the coming years as we meet our ambition to build the homes people need in the places they want to live.” 

Matt Parkes, managing director of Vistry Manchester and Cheshire East, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be working with First Choice Homes to deliver a new community neighbourhood for Oldham at Fitton Hill. 

“It was fantastic to join Jim McMahon MP on a tour of the site and hear his incredibly positive feedback on what is being achieved here as we help to address a shortage of much-needed new family homes.” 

The first FCHO customers picked up their keys in mid-July with all homes for social rent allocated through Oldham Council’s housing register. 

All are highly energy efficient with Energy Performance Certificate ‘A’ rating and equipped with solar PV and electric vehicle charging points. 
 
During the visit Mr McMahon met with Mrs Ogboru, construction manager Jamie Smith, Vistry’s site team and Mr Parkes. 

Homes for shared ownership are being marketed under Fabric Living, FCHO’s affordable home ownership brand.