Laing

Oldham Council has confirmed the Inspiral consortium as Preferred Bidder for its £130 million Gateways to Oldham housing and regeneration project. Inspiral comprises Regenter, Great Places Housing Group and Rok.

This exciting public private partnership will transform the four ‘gateway’ neighbourhoods of Clarkwell, Crossley, Fitton Hill and Primrose Bank into diverse and attractive residential areas.

In accordance with the agreed design master plan, the initial phase of the project will involve the construction of 430 new social and private homes, the modernisation and refurbishment of 324 existing council homes and the selective demolition of 332 existing properties. High-quality public open spaces, improved car parking and new community facilities also form an integral part of this project and will create modern and sustainable communities where people will choose to live and work.

Inspiral will deliver the ongoing neighbourhood and local area management and repairs and maintenance services for the full duration of the 25 year Private Finance Initiative contract.

Regenter is the lead investor, developer and manager for the project. Great Places Housing Group is co-investor and developer and will provide neighbourhood and estates management services whilst Rok Building will construct all new homes, modernise the existing council properties and provide the long-term maintenance for all social housing.

Jim Saunders, Managing Director of Regenter said: “We are absolutely delighted to be selected as the Preferred Bidder and to be working in partnership with Oldham Council to deliver this exciting regeneration programme. This provision of new and improved housing, open spaces and community facilities in Oldham will significantly contribute toward successful and sustainable local communities”.

Stephen Porter, Chief Executive of Great Places Housing Group said: “This is excellent news for Great Places and our partners, and everyone involved in putting the bid together deserves the highest praise. We will manage the neighbourhoods for the next 25 years and we’ll start by breathing new life into the areas by offering more choice of homes to live in. Some will be for affordable rent, others will be available for shared ownership to help families to get a foot on the housing ladder. Everything we build or refurbish will go above and beyond the Government’s Decent Homes Standards.”

Martin Donnachie, Rok Housing Managing Director, said: “This provides us with the opportunity to make the most of our range of skills in building new homes, refurbishing existing properties and maintaining houses over the long term. Our local team is looking forward to working with Oldham Council on this exciting programme and we anticipate this generating significant employment opportunities in Oldham as a result.”