Oldham approves demolition of tower blocks
Housing association First Choice Homes has been granted permission to knock down two 1970s tower blocks in Coldhurst, which would pave the way for part of the firm’s plans to invest £160m to deliver 850 homes in Oldham over the next six years.
A review undertaken by the housing association found that, while there were no safety issues at Crossbank House and Summervale House, they were unpopular with local people and would require maintenance at “a considerable cost” to upgrade them.
The blocks are now vacant and residents that were asked to move out of the blocks have been rehoused and compensated.
First Choice Homes Oldham now expects to lodge an application with Oldham Council for the redevelopment of the site, which would include 90 apartments and houses, later this year.
Fabric Living, First Choice’s housing development arm, would build the homes, which would be delivered over the next six years.
The project team includes PRP Architects, which designed the scheme, Markhams as employer agent and cost consultant, Whiteley Eaves as principal designer, engineering firm Alan Johnson Partnership, and NJL Consulting as planning consultant.
Proposals to demolish the blocks, which First Choice owns, have been in the pipeline for almost two years.