Local MP Jim McMahon visits West Vale Development

Local MP Jim McMahon has praised the quality of our £20 million West Vale development during a recent visit just as the project nears completion.

Mr McMahon was greeted by our new Chief Executive, Mark Gifford last Friday for a tour of the site in Coldhurst that comprises 88 high-quality and sustainable new homes to meet local housing need.

This is our biggest ever scheme with a mixture of 26 two, three and four-bedroom houses for shared ownership and 62 one and two-bed apartments for affordable rent.

They have replaced the unfit for purpose tower blocks Crossbank House and Summervale House.

During the visit, Mr McMahon met with our team, and Caddick Construction – our development partner.

“The work that First Choice Homes has done here with its contractors is something I am really proud of,” he said.

“As a local MP, I know how important it is for local people to feel the town is getting on, that people can be proud about the future in a way they were proud about the past, and it is schemes like this that go such a long way to doing that.

“What is so essential - a safe, affordable place to live to be proud of - for many people isn’t an option available to them, so how we meet that housing crisis and provide that security and pride is really, really important.

“It’s quite clear looking at the quality of the properties that are being built here, and also the attention to detail, that there is real pride in workmanship so that families can live somewhere safe, affordable and decent.”

The Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton MP added: “I think the partnerships that have been created here through the local supply chain, the work that is being done for training placements and apprenticeships also shows it’s more than just the bricks and mortar.”

Mark said: “I was proud to take our local MP around West Vale to talk to him about what we do, not just in the sense of building brilliant, affordable, decent homes, but also the role we play in building stronger communities – that we are a true anchor organisation in Oldham, making sure that we respond to the needs of Oldham people and the community.

“There is no doubt the homes themselves will make a huge difference but our planned investment in the wider neighbourhood with environmental works, a new play park, plus green upgrades and improvements will make West Vale fit for the future and a great place to live and visit.

“A big thank you to Jim for coming to see it. Completion is now just a few weeks away for some of the homes and residents will soon move in.

“As he said, it is not just bricks and mortar but the building of a cohesive community, alongside training and job opportunities, that will also stand the test of time.”

Funding for the development saw a £4.6m grant from Homes England and £1.14m from Greater Manchester’s Brownfield Fund.

The homes have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of B and are 100% off gas.

Green technologies such as air source heat pumps have been installed.

Wider community benefits include a play area, work placement for university and local college students and money for community projects including two FCHO community waste collection days.

Watch the full video below: