The demolition of two of Oldham’s iconic tower blocks is set to start next spring, housing chiefs have revealed.
Housing association First Choice Homes Oldham has announced it has appointed local specialists, D Hughes Demolition & Excavation Ltd, to knock down Crossbank House and Summervale House.
First Choice says the demolition of the two blocks, which stand at the so-called ‘gateway’ to the town at the junction of Manchester Street and Oldham Way, is the first ‘important step’ in its plans to transform the area.
Residents of more than 240 properties of the two 1970s blocks were moved out by the end of April, and they have since been standing empty.
The plans, which were approved by Oldham council in September, are part of the redevelopment project for the area which would see 90 new affordable homes built in their place.
These would help to provide ‘much needed housing for local people and creating a vibrant neighbourhood where people, families and businesses can thrive’.
The new development, dubbed ‘West Vale’, would range from one bedroom apartments to ‘family homes’, which would incorporate green technology.
Danielle Ashworth, head of development at First Choice, said: “We want to support the local economy and create opportunities for people and businesses in the borough through our work, and we know this is important to local people too.
“I’m delighted that we’re partnering with an experienced, Oldham-based firm on this milestone.
“We’ll also be working together to bring meaningful social and economic benefits to the neighbourhood around West Street and Vale Drive and the wider Oldham area.
“These will leave a lasting and positive legacy in the community and I look forward to work beginning.”
D Hughes will carry out demolition and clearance work at the site between May and November 2021.
Chiefs say that site safety and security will be a ‘priority’ throughout the project.
Ryan Hughes, director of D Hughes, said: “As an Oldham based company, we are delighted to be part of creating a lasting legacy in our local community.
“This is an important regeneration project which will represent a win-win scenario for the local community, where people, families and businesses can thrive.
“We take great pride in embedding and maintaining the highest standards of health and safety throughout our works and in the delivery of our projects and we look forward to working with the First Choice Homes Oldham team and taking this opportunity to support our local community and businesses.”
