Contractors share in £149m housing programme
First Choice Homes Oldham has appointed Bramall Construction and Morgan Sindall subsidiary Lovell to undertake the next phase of its five-year home improvements schedule.
In addition, P Casey was appointed to carry out estate environmental improvement works across the six boroughs of Oldham and Emanuel Whittaker was selected to undertake phase one of FCHO's fire safety works and general improvements to communal areas. The Sure Group was signed up in March as FCHO's chosen gas servicing contractor for one year with the possibility of having its contract extended.
All contractors have agreed to employ local tradesmen and provide apprenticeships and training opportunities for Oldham residents during the second year of the investment programme.
Contracts in this, the second, phase are valued at £11.5m in total.
FCHO said it aims to take on a minimum of eight new apprentices throughout the second year with the Sure Group pledging to introduce its own employment scheme for apprentices. The contractors have also vowed to carry on supporting local community and neighbourhood projects over the next year and will be welcoming suggestions from the wider community about how to improve the lives of Oldham residents.
The second phase of the investment scheme will bring improve up to 2,500 homes in Oldham. The package of works includes new kitchens and bathrooms, new heating and boiler systems, electrical upgrades and various external works.
Cath Green, chief executive of FCHO, said: "We are delighted to announce our chosen list of contractors to drive forward the second phase of our improvement programme which will improve even more of our tenants' homes and estates.
"All of our contractors have been selected due to their extensive experience in delivering works of this nature both with FCHO and other Registered Social Landlords.
"We also paid close attention to the contractors' commitment to job creation and giving something back to the community when making our decision, and the companies we chose all scored highly in these areas."
