Oldham wins £2.1m grant for housing regeneration scheme

  Oldham council and First Choice Homes Oldham have been given a £2.1m grant to unlock a stalled regeneration scheme in Hollinwood.   The money from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) to allow work to start on 32 new-build family homes at Byron Green, will be let as affordable rented properties.   The cash provided by the HCA will be matched by the council.   Deborah McLaughlin, north west regional director of the HCA, said: “The Byron Green scheme is great example of how the HCA is helping to maintain momentum during the market downturn.   “By investing in innovative and effective partnerships like this, we can make sure that the building of much needed affordable homes continues. HCA are particularly pleased to be able to support a scheme that is clearly so important to local people“   Subject to planning permission, construction will start at Byron Green in 2010, with completion aimed for a year later.   helen.roxburgh@rbi.co.uk