First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) has appointed Caddick Construction to develop almost 90 new homes.

The 'West Vale' housing scheme will transform the site where tower blocks, Crossbank House and Summervale House once stood at the top of Manchester Rd, Coldhurst.

Following demolition of the ageing blocks last year, Caddick Construction is now readied to build the £21m contemporary development of twenty-six houses – a mix of two, three and four-bedroom family houses – and 62 one and two-bedroom apartments to meet local housing need.

All homes will be off gas, with a high energy performance rating, and use latest sustainable technologies including air source heat pumps and additional insulation to help residents save energy and money.

The mixed tenure project will see 26 homes for shared ownership under our Fabric Living brand, helping local people to get a foot on the housing ladder at an affordable price.

A total of 62 properties will be available for affordable rent – set at no more than 80% of the average local market rent. Properties for rent will be allocated in line with Oldham Council’s Allocations Policy.


Plans for the West Vale site also include landscaped green spaces and a recreational zone with dedicated play area, providing a much-needed facility for younger children in the neighbourhood.

Enabling works on site began in January this year and all new homes at the development are due for completion in winter 2024.

Generating social value benefits throughout the new-build phase is a priority for the us. We will be working Caddick Construction and Oldham College to create training opportunities such as apprenticeships, work placements and T-level placements for local people over the life of the contract and adding further value by maximising local supply chain partners and carrying out wider community engagement.

Joel Owen, FCHO's Director of Development said: "We are very excited to be working with Caddick Construction to bring forward this exemplar scheme in such an important location in Oldham.

"We've been on a journey with local people, businesses and organisations to get to this point and have worked hard to design a development that meets local need – providing a mix of affordable housing options, making home ownership possible for more people and leaving a positive legacy in the local community.

"The build will set the benchmark for how we deliver great, high quality, sustainable homes that meet housing need today and are fit for the future and I look forward to works progressing."

Ian Threadgold, Managing Director of Caddick Construction in the North West, added: "I take great pride in the news that Caddick Construction has been appointed to deliver on the new build phase of this fantastic development. We look forward to building these much-needed new homes in Greater Manchester on behalf of First Choice Homes Oldham."