FCHO to build 29 new homes in Rochdale expansion

First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) is investing £5.7m to build 29 new energy efficient homes in Middleton, near RochdaleThe housing association is working with development partner Brookhouse Group to deliver the mixed-tenure scheme, which it claims will help meet local housing needs.Twenty-two homes will be for affordable rent, set at no more than 80% of market rent. Seven homes will be for shared ownership and marketed under FCHO’s Fabric Living brand.The development will consist of two two-bedroom bungalows, seven two-bedroom houses, and 21 three-bedroom houses. They are to be built on a brownfield site at Mossylea Close.Joel Owen, FCHO’s director of development said: “Rochdale is an important location to us and getting into contract on these great new homes is fantastic news. As in other areas, there’s a shortage of affordable housing locally, and we’re working hard and investing a significant amount of money to build as many new homes as we can to help meet demand.”The Middleton development forms part of FCHO’s strategy to build 1,100 homes in Oldham and the surrounding areas between 2020 and 2026.These latest homes are designed to reduce their carbon footprint and help residents save energy and money. Features include improved insulation to reduce heat loss through walls and floors, an energy efficient heating system, plus electric vehicle charging points.The project has attracted £1.2m Homes England grant funding. FCHO says work is due to start on site in early autumn this year, and homes will be ready in late autumn 2024.The deal for new homes at Mossylea Close is the third that FCHO has signed with Brookhouse Group in the past year.The housing provider and developer are currently working in partnership to deliver 28 mixed tenure homes across sites at Radcliffe Street in Royton and Hardman Street in Failsworth, both in Oldham.The new homes in Middleton mark FCHO’s continued expansion in the Rochdale borough, where it currently has affordable homes underway at four development sites.Elsewhere in Middleton the housing association is due to complete its 30-home Boothroyden Road build with Elan Homes this summer; 16 family houses are in progress with KMM Homes at its Oldham Road site; and FCHO has agreed a deal with Kellen Homes for 45 family houses at its Mill Vale development.Meanwhile 40 one and two-bedroom apartments at Rochdale Road East, Heywood, built by Challenger Building Services, are due for completion.Last month FCHO signed a £2.1m deal with Armstrong Projects to bring forward 14 one and two-bedroom apartments where the Smithy Bridge pub in Littleborough has stood derelict for a number of years.Read next: Three new faces on Plus Dane boardAre you a social housing professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.