Oldham and Rochdale receive £20m each for housing, job skills, and key local projects.
The Housing Ministry (HCLG) funds this initiative to boost job skills and create more affordable housing. Local Growth Minister Alex Norris stated the money is vital to the towns, addressing specific, local issues.
Oldham’s council leader, Arooj Shah, and Rochdale’s council leader, Neil Emmott, both expressed their pleasure with the news.
The government’s “plan for change” has six key goals for the next election, involving raising living standards and building 1.5 million homes.
Oldham hopes to build 2,000 homes across several sites and improve rental housing quality. The One Oldham Fund will receive funds, and millions will support sports and education.
Tommyfield Market traders can now move to the Spindles center. George Square will gain an outdoor market, and vacant retail units will be redeveloped. Shah said this investment brings hope, boosting Oldham’s regeneration plans and seeing it as a total gamechanger.
Rochdale will transform a retail park into the Station Gateway development, providing over 200 homes. The Creates Space project will revitalize empty shops, create craft spaces and retail stores, and a youth arts center aids community engagement.
Hopwood Hall College’s Rochdale campus will receive help with the rebuilding of one building, adding a floor for higher education students. Emmott expressed his delight, emphasizing that housing, education, and culture enhance life quality for residents.
Minister Norris stated this puts Greater Manchester ahead. He explained the £40 million package will support long-term growth and should improve people’s finances.