Work begins on 27-home Heywood scheme

A Greater Manchester housing provider has started work on a new affordable homes development in Heywood.

First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) has broken ground on a £6.4 million scheme off Bury Old Road that will deliver 27 new properties on a brownfield site.

Built Developments Ltd will construct the development, which includes 12 two-bedroom and 15 three-bedroom homes.

19 properties will be available for social rent, while eight will be offered through a rent-to-buy model aimed at helping people onto the property ladder.

Local MP Elsie Blundell and Rochdale Council cabinet member for housing Danny Meredith attended the groundbreaking ceremony alongside representatives from FCHO and Built Developments.

Mrs Blundell, the Heywood and Middleton North MP, said: “I was really pleased to break ground at this First Choice Homes development.  

“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 added: “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.”

Completion of the scheme is expected in May next year as part of wider efforts to increase the supply of affordable housing across the borough.

Andy Ewart, FCHO executive director of corporate services and deputy chief executive, 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 a 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.”

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