Pathfinder fights the crunch

Digital projection of Nelson Place

Despite the headlines about economic difficulties and the credit crunch, Oldham and Rochdale Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder believe that they are making progress across their neighbourhoods in the area.

New build homes have seen residents moving in this month in Langley and East Central Rochdale, while at Artisan’s Nelson Place development in Wardleworth, Rochdale, the first thirteen houses are now complete.

The first residents, all families affected by clearance, are enjoying their new homes. The development is a mixture of renting through West Pennine Housing Association, and outright purchase.

In the other part of the development, progress continues with a further 13 properties, which should be ready for people to move into early next year.

And on Langley in Middleton, Bowlee Park Housing’s Millbeck Gardens has its first residents. The £6m development of apartments replaces the three tower blocks, known as the Three Sisters. The Pathfinder funded environmental and landscaping features at the Wood Street site.

Elsewhere, demolition is underway at a number of sites to prepare for new homes. At Nile Street in Wardleworth, a further 38 empty terraced properties are coming down, following the clearance of industrial premises elsewhere on the 1.75 acres. Some remaining businesses on Nile Street are also being helped to relocate to more suitable new premises.

In other areas, including East Central Rochdale and Inner Rochdale, approximately 500 more homes will be refurbished by March 2009.