Oldham demolition unlocks land for £12m housing scheme
Crossbank House and Summervale House, two 1970s tower blocks owned by First Choice Homes Oldham, are being knocked down to make way for 88 modern properties.
After standing at the gateway to Oldham town centre for almost 50 years, local contractor D Hughes Demolition & Excavation has begun demolishing the buildings.
Following the demolition phase, FCHO will start building the West Vale development, which comprises 26 houses – a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom family homes – and 62 one- and two-bedroom apartments.
All 88 of the homes at West Vale will be designated affordable.
As part of the scheme, designed by PRP Architects, a recreational space located at Broome Street is planned.
Demolition of Crossbank House and Summervale House was approved by Oldham Council in September 2020 and plans for the £12m new-build West Vale scheme were approved in June 2021.
The development is part of a wider £160m housing strategy. Credit: via FCHO
Joel Owen, FCHO director of development, said: “Demolition of the tower blocks is an important milestone in our West Vale development and makes way for us to transform the area and improve the lives of local people.
“Supporting the local economy and creating opportunities for local businesses and people is important to us and I’m delighted to be partnering with a local firm that shares our commitment to leaving a lasting and positive legacy in the community.”
The demolition work, scheduled to complete in March, signals the start of a wider £160m plan FCHO has for Oldham. The housing company wants to deliver 850 homes in the town over the next six years.
