Demolition clears the way for new Kirkholt homes

Seeing the start of demolition: Gary Sladen, Environmental Surveyor, RBH, Ken Palmer, Palmer Demolition, Claire Tostevin, Head of New Business & Regeneration, RBH, Linda Byrne, Vision for Kirkholt and Councillor Dale Mulgrew

Demolition has begun in Kirkholt to prepare the ground for the first new homes on the estate, supported by the Oldham Rochdale Housing Market Renewal (HMR) Pathfinder.

Palmer Demolition is clearing the site between Curzon Road and Cumberland Road where Brighter Horizons, the charitable subsidiary of Rochdale Boroughwide Housing will create a development of 30 three and four bedroom houses together with two-bedroom bungalows.

As part of the “Vision for Kirkholt” Project, work to build the new homes is expected to begin early next year once the land is cleared.

Rochdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Development, Councillor Dale Mulgrew said: “It is really good news for Kirkholt to see work get underway towards building new homes.

“It’s an important step forward in improving the choice and quality of homes on offer to local people, which is helping to make the neighbourhood a more attractive place to live.”

Supported by HMR, Brighter Horizons will build the homes to Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. This means they will be built to a high environmental standard, saving money for residents on their fuel bills and minimising the buildings’ impact on climate change.

The new homes have been designed to complement the existing properties surrounding the site.

As part of the development a new cul-de-sac will be created off Cumberland Road, where three two-bedroom bungalows will be built.

The development will also meet Lifetime Homes - standards that make homes convenient, accessible, safe and flexible. The purpose of the standards is to ensure that homes are ‘future proof’ – they can be easily adapted to meet the needs of individuals throughout their life.

Two of the homes will offer four bedrooms and stand three storeys tall, helping the new development to make a strong visual impact. Most of the homes will be available at affordable rents, with a small number offering options for sale and shared ownership.

Work is also due to begin soon at nearby Romney Avenue, where Brighter Horizons will build six two-bedroom bungalows for affordable renting on an area of land formerly occupied by garages.