Kier has commenced construction to deliver a new landmark housing scheme in Oldham.

The local council has appointed Kier to build new £4 million housing for adults with learning disabilities, the first of its kind in the borough.

Procured via Scape's National Minor Works framework, the development will consist of 20 self-contained apartments specifically designed and created to provide a safe and homely environment that will offer 24-hour support, 365 days a year. The support will be provided via the Council's Miocare service and Oldham Council/Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust's integrated learning disability team.

It has been developed by Oldham Council in partnership with the Oldham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to ensure that people with a range of needs can find the care and accommodation they need. It will also ensure, through a new integrated care approach, that people with complex needs can be safely supported via a modern high-quality development. Funding for the development has been secured through Homes England, NHS England and more.

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Peter Commins, managing director for Kier North West, said: "We are thrilled to have been awarded this first-of-its-kind project by Oldham Council, illustrating our strength in delivering healthcare projects across the north. This new facility will provide a safe and comfortable housing scheme for some of Oldham's most vulnerable residents to live in for years to come."

Councillor Hannah Roberts, Cabinet Member for Housing, commented: "We are delighted that Kier has come on board and will build this new state-of-the-art development.

"They will work with us to build new much needed supported housing flats that will provide modern homes where people can live independently with our support, and will also help regenerate the area.

"During construction Kier will support our Get Oldham Working initiative to create jobs and provide work experience, training and other community benefits targeted at people living in the local area, helping the local economy grow."

Victoria Brambini, Managing Director at Scape Procure, added: "It is fantastic to see Oldham Council deliver innovative new housing that will ensure vulnerable residents have the opportunity to live independently, whilst enabling them access to the crucial day to day support they require."

"Social value is at the heart of our frameworks at Scape Group and it is assuring to see this project deliver a lasting legacy for the local community. The new residents will benefit from investment in a fantastic facility that provides a secure and comfortable place to live, whilst local training and employment opportunities are created via the council led, 'Get Oldham Working' initiative which aligns with our framework objectives that will be managed closely through our framework KPIs."

The first residents are scheduled to move in during summer 2019.

(CM/MH)