Redrow Redrow chosen as partner on former school site in Oldham
Oldham Council has chosen Redrow Homes as the developer for the former Counthill school site in the town. The company's winning bid for the project involves the construction of 50 detached and 10 semi-detached houses from early next year, which will be marketed at between £200,000 and £315,000. Redrow will also make highway improvements and add parking facilities near the site, and will also engage a number of apprentices from the area.

Redrow Homes has been picked as construction partner to redevelop the former Counthill school site in Oldham, beating three rival bidders.

Oldham Council approved Redrow Homes as its developer for the site at a cabinet meeting on 18 September.

The housebuilder beat rival bidders Barratt, Countryside Properties, and Willmott Partnership Homes to the project, according to council minutes.

Barratt had proposed to build 94 homes at the site, with 27 detached homes, 36 semi-detached homes and 31 townhouses, with prices ranging from £183,000 to £280,000; while Countryside’s bid included 56 detached and 22 semi-detached homes, priced between £184,000 and £290,000.

Willmott Parternship Homes’ proposals included 45 detached houses, 32 semi-detached houses and six mews properties, with prices ranging between £130,000 and £285,000.

Redrow’s winning bid will see the company build 50 detached and 10 semi-detached homes on the site, with 38 four-bed homes and 22 three-bed homes. Sale prices will be between £200,000 and £315,000.

The housebuilder is due to start on site early next year, with Redrow also providing highway improvements to Haven Lane and Counthill Road, alongside parking for the nearby Waterhead Academy sports hall, as part of the project.

The site was earmarked for development in 2014.

Cllr Jean Stretton, leader of Oldham Council, said: “We are committed to making the borough a place where people want to live, work and do business in so we are delighted Redrow Homes share our vision and are on board as our development partner.

“The firm is one of the biggest housebuilders in the country and over the years it has produced high quality and sustainable homes at sites across the UK.

“These principles match our hopes of creating a flagship neighbourhood in a location where people will be attracted to live.

“As part of their bid Redrow Homes committed to creating apprenticeship positions and using local suppliers and subcontractors, so as our construction partner, they will be helping the local economy grow.”

Steve Greenhalgh, managing director for Redrow Homes (Lancashire), added:

“As well as providing much needed, high quality new homes in a fantastic location, the new development will also bring significant community and economic benefits.

“These include a raft of new apprenticeships as well as work for local subcontractors and suppliers. We’re keen to begin construction early next year.”