Local firms - major regeneration opportunity

Over sixty local construction businesses are set to gather at Queen Elizabeth Hall in Oldham on Wednesday 11 April to discover how they could benefit from a multi-million pound housing boom.

At least 2,500 new affordable homes will be built across Oldham and Rochdale in the next three years as part of the Oldham Rochdale Housing Market Renewal (HMR) Pathfinder - a long-term programme to transform the housing market.

Keepmoat Regeneration, Gleeson Regeneration, BASE and Bellway, the lead developers for East Central Rochdale,  Werneth and Derker are keen to use local contractors wherever possible. The developers have also agreed to create dozens of apprenticeship opportunities for students studying at Hopwood Hall College and Oldham College.  

The event, which begins at 11am, will be an opportunity for local businesses to meet contractors, find out more about the Pathfinder project, and learn how they could benefit from the ambitious construction plans. It is being organised by J21, the Rochdale and Oldham local labour in construction initiative, which is funded by the Pathfinder. 

Sarfraz Arfan, J21 Manager said: "The next ten years will see a big increase in construction work, as the Pathfinder's regeneration plans are realised.

"This event is part of a wider concerted effort to secure business opportunities for local contractors. We must make sure that local businesses can take advantage of the construction boom, in order to create jobs, develop skills and benefit local economies."

He added: "Keepmoat, Gleeson, BASE and Bellway, along with other developers such as McInerney Homes, Kier, Bullock and Wilson Bowden Developments can play an important role in sustaining our economy."

Alastair Graham, Director of the Oldham Rochdale HMR Pathfinder said: "This is an important event. The Pathfinder is not only an opportunity to create better homes for local people, it's also a chance to boost local employment and skills. By bringing lead contractors and local firms together, we can start to build these crucial partnerships."  

Local contractors interested in attending the event should register with J21 on 01706 646471.

J21 is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.