Rochdale Boroughwide Housing says it has secured vital funding and identified a specialist construction partner to deliver its latest phase of new and affordable homes in central Rochdale.
The mutual, co-owned by tenants and employees, has entered a contract with national regeneration specialist Engie, and secured £2.53m in grant funding from government agency Homes England.
RBH says the scheme is part of its long-term investment to improve the quality and mix of homes in Rochdale town centre, after drawing up a plan with residents and local partners in 2017.
The latest construction work started on the site in March 2020 and includes 55 new houses and low-rise apartments in the heart of Lower Falinge as well as a new community space.
The new homes are a mix of 19 two-bedroom houses and three houses with three bedrooms, together with 20 one-bedroom apartments and 13 two-bedroom apartments. RBH says they will all be available at a genuinely affordable rent under the same tenancy conditions as existing RBH homes. Rents will remain fixed in line with the local housing allowance, to ensure the new homes remain truly affordable for all in the long term.
Clare Tostevin, director of growth at RBH, said: “Being able to live in a good quality home has never been more important. This scheme of 100% affordable homes is all about providing the right mix of good quality homes for local people, offering more choice for the existing community in central Rochdale as well as for future generations. The community worked with us to design these homes to ensure they met local need.
“Partnering with ENGIE and Homes England on this scheme is the latest important milestone in delivering the modern homes and amenities which the community told us are so greatly needed in the town centre.”
Jackie Jacobs, director of affordable housing grants at Homes England, said: “Despite the current challenges affecting the country, supporting new housing remains our number one priority. We will continue to do business with partners like RBH, who are committed to building vital new homes.”
Ed Carroll, ENGIE head of major projects, said: “We’re excited to be working with RBH to take forward this much-needed development. As a business, ENGIE is focused on working with partners to improve the environment we live in and we’re delighted to be bringing our construction expertise to this project. These new and modern homes will be a fantastic addition to Rochdale town centre and will complement the area’s wider regeneration.”
