First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) has taken handover of 18 new affordable rent homes at developments in Rochdale and Oldham.
The properties represent part of FCHO’s strategy to build 700 sustainable homes in Oldham, Rochdale, Tameside, Kirklees, and Calderdale by 2026.
By delivering more new homes for affordable rent, rent to buy, and shared ownership, the provider aims to meet housing need and boost home-ownership.
In Heywood, the last two four-bedroom family homes were finished at the Spindles housing scheme.
The handovers mark the completion of the six-home, £1.5m project on Victoria Street, which has transformed the former office-building site into a new housing development.
Additionally, the first 16 family houses at FCHO’s Tanners Fold build in Fitton Hill, Oldham, have been completed and are ready for customers to move into.
On the former site of St Cuthbert’s church, the housing association is bringing forward 24 three-bedroom homes.
Work started on site in September 2021, with practical completion set for spring 2023.
Joel Owen, FCHO’s director of Development, said: “As is the case in many other parts of the country, demand for social housing in Rochdale and Oldham significantly outstrips supply, and increasing the number of affordable homes for people is more urgent than ever.
“We’re building as many new homes as we can to help meet local need, and making sure they are sustainable, economical to run and fit for the future.”
FCHO currently has 268 houses and apartments under construction across 10 development schemes in Oldham, Rochdale, and Kirklees.
The provider says it is on track to take handover of 144 homes in the financial year ending March 2023.
Image: New First Choice Homes Oldham properties at Spindles, Heywood
Read next: North-west landlord secures £180m deal with major bank
Are you a social housing professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.