Oldham and Rochdale receive £40m for growth projects, focusing on housing, regeneration, and community improvements.
Oldham Council welcomes the funding as a boost to their regeneration plans. Residents can anticipate significant changes, including the construction of more affordable homes.
Rochdale intends to allocate funds for the Station Gateway project. This project aims to revitalize the area around Rochdale’s train station with plans for over 200 homes, a welcoming public square, business spaces, and parking facilities. Funding also extends to Rochdale’s “Creates Space” project, which will revitalize empty shops, establishing craft spaces and a youth arts center. Furthermore, Hopwood Hall College’s Rochdale campus will undergo an upgrade. This includes rebuilding one of its buildings and adding an additional floor.
Oldham’s plans involve constructing up to 2,000 new homes across four sites. Additionally, £4.5 million will be allocated to Oldham’s local districts, empowering residents to decide how to spend these funds, as they possess the best understanding of their communities. Each district will receive £1 million in total.
A cultural quarter will be created in Oldham with £2.5 million. The Oldham Coliseum theatre will be a key aspect, reopening after renovations. Vacant shops near the theatre will be repurposed, and rent money will support the Coliseum’s operations.
Market traders will receive £2 million to relocate from Tommyfield Market to Spindles, enabling them to buy modern equipment. An additional £1 million will be used to redevelop George Street, transforming it into a new outdoor market space.
£5 million will assist in planning for four housing sites, enabling the potential construction of 2,000 new homes. Additionally, £5 million will be allocated to sports initiatives with details to be announced soon.
Oldham also has a plan to penalize rogue landlords using £100,000. The program seeks to withhold payments and, if successful, it could be implemented nationwide.