West Vale welcomes first residents

A Greater Manchester housing development is welcoming its first residents following the completion of a £20 million regeneration scheme.

West Vale, delivered by First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO), includes 26 family houses for shared ownership and 62 one and two-bed apartments for affordable rent. 

Council leader Arooj Shah joined FCHO’s chief executive Mark Gifford and council chief executive Shelley Kipling for a tour of the new neighbourhood, where councillor Shah ceremonially handed over keys to new customers including Mohammed Thofail Ahmed and his family, as well as 17-year-old Angel Nash, who is settling into her new one-bed apartment.

Councillor Shah hailed the project as “quality homes for our residents” and said: “The whole look, the vibe, the quality is everything that a social housing provider should provide for their residents.”

“But it's not just about building houses, it's about creating communities.

“I often get asked as leader to visit housing developments. 

“And actually, as soon as you step in, you know straight away whether you're just walking into something that has been built really quickly just to accommodate people, or whether you're walking in something that you'd love for yourself as well, and that's the vibe I got today.”

Mr Ahmed, 37, a station duty manager, added: “The property's brilliant and it's affordable and it has made a difference to our lives because we managed to give our girls their own rooms.

“Previously we only had two bedrooms and one bathroom, and it was a real struggle for space. 

“We bought this home off plan and have been watching with excitement as it has come together over the past few weeks.”

Mark added: “I am so proud of what First Choice Homes Oldham has achieved here with Caddick Construction.

“I believe we have responded appropriately to the housing challenge Oldham faces.”

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