As dawn broke over the Hathershaw construction site, a warm golden light bathed the area, illuminating the progress of a transformative project led by First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO). Clad in the requisite high-visibility vest and hard hat, Emily Turner, the project’s dynamic manager, shared her palpable enthusiasm about the £4.5 million initiative aimed at delivering 19 affordable, energy-efficient homes to the Oldham community.
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“We’re on a mission,” Emily declared, her voice tinged with pride. “This is not just about erecting structures; it’s about creating sustainable, affordable homes that meet a critical need in our community.”
This development is part of FCHO’s broader strategy to provide 1,100 high-quality, sustainable homes in Oldham and its environs between 2020 and 2026. This ambitious plan seeks to address the burgeoning demand for affordable housing in the area. The current Hathershaw project focuses on constructing 16 three-bedroom houses on Belgrave Road and an additional three on Thatcher Street, with a targeted completion date in the summer of 2025.
“Sustainability is at the heart of this project,” Emily explained. “We’re employing a ‘fabric first approach,’ which prioritises the performance of building materials to ensure each home is well-insulated, warm, and cost-effective for our residents.”
As Emily and I navigated the bustling site, the foundational work and early stages of brickwork were already visible. The air was filled with the hum of activity from the construction team, helmed by Arca Construct Ltd. We were joined by Nigel Lonsdale, Head of Construction at Arca Construct, who offered his insights into the project.
“First Choice Homes Oldham’s role in providing affordable housing is indispensable,” Nigel acknowledged. “We are thrilled to collaborate with them on this initiative. Our team is committed to delivering exceptional results efficiently, and our affiliations with the Considerate Constructors Scheme and CHAS Elite underline our dedication to quality and responsible construction practices.”
Nigel elaborated on the project’s emphasis on energy efficiency, highlighting that each home is designed to achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of B. This focus on energy efficiency not only helps residents save on utility bills but also reduces their environmental impact.
“Attention to detail has been paramount,” Nigel emphasised. “From the choice of insulation materials to the overall design, everything is orchestrated to create homes that are both affordable and environmentally friendly.”
Continuing our tour, Emily pointed out the former garage site being repurposed for these new homes. She spoke passionately about the significance of such transformations for the community.
“This area was once an underutilised garage site,” she said. “Witnessing its conversion into valuable housing is truly uplifting. The £1.07 million funding from Homes England and the £285,000 Brownfield Housing Fund grant from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority have been crucial in making this transformation a reality.”
Emily also addressed the wider impact of the project, highlighting FCHO’s Big Plan and Sustainability Strategy. “Our approach is not solely about constructing homes; it’s about building a better future. By prioritising eco-friendly designs and sustainability, we’re setting a benchmark for future developments.”
As our conversation drew to a close, the dedication and vision of the FCHO team and their partners left a lasting impression. This project exemplifies what can be achieved through a steadfast commitment to quality, sustainability, and community well-being.
Emily’s concluding remarks encapsulated the essence of the project. “Seeing these energy-efficient, affordable homes taking shape is incredibly gratifying,” she remarked. “These homes reflect our dedication to providing high-quality, sustainable housing and represent a significant step towards our goal of an energy-efficient housing stock. This is merely the beginning, and we eagerly anticipate the final outcomes.”
The £4.5 million project in Oldham transcends the conventional scope of construction; it symbolises hope and progress for a community in dire need of sustainable and affordable housing. As we look towards the completion of these homes in 2025, the collective efforts of FCHO, Arca Construct Ltd, and their supporters clearly pave the way for a brighter, greener future.
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