Trainees start empty homes refurbishment

Refurbishment trainees at house

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

This autumn sees the start of an innovative housing project to bring empty homes back into use whilst providing training for unemployed learners.

The Housing Refurbishment programme, delivered by Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale in partnership with Rochdale Council and Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, will see 16 homes brought back into use over a 3 year period.

Across Rochdale there are currently around 3,700 empty homes, many of which are falling into a state of disrepair. With an increase in the level of homelessness and house building at an all time low, this programme aims to increase affordable housing within the borough.

Groundwork will be targeting private landlords who have void properties in need of refurbishment. The houses will be renovated by local trainees who will gain skills, experience and recognised qualifications as part of the programme.

Following refurbishment, each property will be leased for 10 years and marketed on the Rochdale Council Choice Based Lettings scheme, with priority given to those in greatest need.

Teresa Jennings, Operations Director at Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale, said: “Our Housing Refurbishment programme builds on our established void property trainee projects already being delivered in Rochdale. Over the course of this programme we aim to help 64 local unemployed learners get the skills and experience needed to find employment or further training.”