Primrose Bank
In March 2007, the Government approved Oldham Council’s bid to redevelop several housing estates, of which the Primrose Bank estate is one and to build new affordable housing on several vacant sites across the Borough.
Primrose Bank can be found on Ashton Road, the main route between Oldham and Ashton, within walking distance of Oldham Town Centre. The Ashton Road gateway, which includes Primrose Bank, is a major regeneration and Housing Market Renewal priority for the Council.
The 1960’s built deck access flats and maisonettes will be replaced with a new development, the emphasis being on family housing. New homes will be a mixture of affordable homes for rent and for sale. Council owned houses not proposed for demolition will be refurbished. Environmental improvements will see the creation of high quality public open space and Primrose Bank will be a clean, green and safe place to live.
Primrose Bank will benefit in many positive ways from Housing Market Renewal involvement, such as the provision of excellent standards in the quality of new homes and help in ensuring land is available for new homes to be built.
We anticipate a development partner will be appointed in the summer of 2009 for a contract period of 25 years. The partner will be a development consortium, typically consisting of, amongst others, a Registered Social Landlord and a construction company. Three consortia are presently involved in the process to win the contract:
‘Inspiral’, ‘Inspirit’ and ‘Solutions4Oldham’
The contract will cover initial construction and refurbishment, day-to-day repairs and maintenance, housing and estate management, and facilities management
The ‘Gateways to Oldham’ team is working closely with residents, councillors and community organisations to select the best consortium to regenerate the estate. A Primrose Bank Stakeholder Group has now been formed, supported by a Resident Participation Officer, which will be able to influence project proposals.
Work has begun on making an area of land, south of Chamber Road, available for the developer to commence construction of new homes by the summer of 2009. A Resident Liaison Officer, based with First Choice Homes Oldham, is providing advice and support to residents who require alternative accommodation.
For further information, please contact the ‘Gateways to Oldham’ team on 0161 770 1122, or by email at gateways@oldham.gov.uk