First Choice Homes Oldham invests £2.1m to bring green homes to Rochdale

Local housing association, First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) has signed a deal with development partner, Armstrong Projects Ltd to bring more much-needed, affordable, sustainable homes to the Rochdale borough.

The £2.1m investment is part of FCHO’s development strategy to deliver 1,100 new, high quality, energy efficient homes in Oldham, Rochdale, Tameside, Kirklees, and Calderdale 2020-2026 to improve the lives of local people.

Under the deal, FCHO will bring forward 14 one and two-bedroom apartments where the Smithy Bridge pub in Littleborough has stood derelict for a number of years. All properties are designed to be highly sustainable, in line with the housing association’s drive to build green homes and support customers to save energy and money.

The eco-friendly design will see all homes equipped with increased levels of insulation plus energy efficient windows, along with a low carbon, electrical heating system to provide heating and hot water. Electric vehicle charging points are also planned to facilitate green travel.

Properties at the scheme will be for affordable rent set at no more than 80 per cent of market rent. They will be managed by FCHO and allocated to customers on Rochdale Council’s housing register. The project will be part funded by a £672k Homes England grant. Construction will get underway in July and homes will be ready for customers to move into in winter 2024.

FCHO’s director of development, Joel Owen said: “Demand for affordable housing locally continues to outstrip supply and we’re pleased to be building more desperately needed, sustainable homes in the Rochdale borough, which is one of the key areas in our development strategy.

“Rejuvenating brownfield plots, as we are doing here, is also important to us. With its good location and excellent commuter links, this site is prime for bringing into residential use and enhancing the local area. We look forward to seeing the homes ready for our customers to move into.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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