First bricks laid on Nelson Place homes
5 July 2007
The first bricks have been laid on 25 new homes on Trafalgar Street and Buckingham Street in Wardleworth, Rochdale.
The homes are being developed by BASE, a pioneering joint venture between Artisan Property Group and national housebuilder Barratt, and the Oldham Rochdale Housing Market Renewal (HMR) Pathfinder.
The development will be known as Nelson Place, reflecting historic street names in the area, and will greatly increase the range of homes available in Wardleworth.
This first phase will see 12 properties for sale, three three-bedroom and nine four-bedroom homes. A further five homes for rent and eight for shared ownership will be available from West Pennine (part of the Regenda Group). Later phases will take the total number of homes in the development up to 54.
The three and four bedroom homes are the latest properties built as part of the multi-million pound regeneration of East Central Rochdale. Residents affected by clearance will be offered the first chance to move into the new homes.
Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, Rochdale Council’s Lead Member for Housing said, “I am very pleased to see work underway on these new homes. The excellent design of these new homes will ensure they are a superb addition to the neighbourhood and will be the start in providing much-needed affordable housing in the Borough.”
“The new homes will offer something for everyone. Residents will have the choice of renting, buying or part-buying.”
The design is aiming to achieve the Eco-homes ‘very good’ standard. The houses will be environmentally sustainable, using materials from ‘green’ sources and cutting residents’ fuel bills.
Pathfinder Director Alastair Graham said, “This development is another impressive step forward for housing market renewal in Rochdale. Attractive and well designed homes will help to make the area an increasingly appealing place to live, and encourage residents to stay in their local area.”
Steve Todd, Executive Director of BASE said, “This ground-breaking scheme is tailor-made to address the housing needs of Rochdale.
“It’s mix of affordable, design-led and environmentally-friendly homes is the new face of Rochdale in the early 21st Century.”
John Hudson, Chief Executive of Rochdale Development Agency, said, "Rochdale is undergoing a huge transformation and ensuring there are modern homes, offering a better choice to residents, is a crucial part of the regeneration of the town. We are delighted that building work will start soon on this quality development."
Local people played an important role in the design of the new homes, letting the HMR team know their views at consultation events at the nearby Wardleworth Community Centre.
The Housing Corporation, a Government agency that funds new affordable homes and regulates housing associations in England, and the North West Development Agency are also supporting the building of the new homes. The project has been assisted by Rochdale Council and Rochdale Development Agency.
The high quality of the design for the homes has seen them shortlisted for the prestigious Housing Design Awards, with the winners announced in mid July.