Development partnership for thousands of new homes to bring 'millions' of investment to Oldham

A partnership with a private developer for thousands of new town centre homes will bring ‘millions’ in investment to Oldham, leaders say.

Oldham’s cabinet has agreed to appoint a preferred bidder to become the authority’s private sector partner for an initial period of 15 years, with an option to extend for a further decade.

The partner – who has not yet been named publicly – will progress development of ‘strategic’ residential sites along with the council, to establish a housing market in the centre of Oldham.

The local authority is planning to build up to 2,000 homes in the town centre as part of its wider regeneration plans. The demolition of the council headquarters at the Civic Centre and Queen Elizabeth Hall are included under the masterplan.

Council leader Arooj Shah told members they began a process to select a preferred bidder back in early 2022 when she was first leading the town hall.

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“I’m delighted to be able to report to the cabinet that this process is almost complete. The council has gone through a really vigorous process of due diligence and has narrowed this down from five bidders to two final bidders,” Councillor Shah said.

“We’re not yet in a position to name the preferred bidder but what I can say is that after members of the cabinet have reviewed both submissions this is a massively massively exciting opportunity for Oldham.

“I know residents have told us that they’re frustrated with the perceived lack of delivery on our ambitious regeneration plans but with many projects now in delivery this decision will provide a huge step forward bringing out aspirations for the town centre homes to come to life.

“I do think we’re on