With a big plan to renovate the long-vacant location of the former Oldham Mumps Railway Station, Greater Manchester is seeing a huge push for sustainable and reasonably priced housing. Leading UK homebuilder Vistry Group and First Choice houses Oldham (FCHO), a local housing association, have formally joined to construct a flagship development of 147 mixed-tenure, energy-efficient houses at the Southlink brownfield site. The ambitious plans, which have now been formally submitted to Oldham Council for determination, represent FCHO’s largest development to date and align with the local authority’s focus on a “fairer, greener, and more prosperous borough.”
The most notable feature of the proposed Southlink development is its commitment to adhering to the government’s stringent Future Homes Standard. This regulation, set to be fully implemented in 2025, mandates that new residential properties must be “zero carbon ready” by achieving a dramatic reduction in operational carbon emissions.
The 147 homes planned for Oldham are designed to cut carbon emissions by an impressive 75-80% compared to existing building regulations. This will be achieved primarily through enhanced building fabric (superior insulation and airtightness) and the mandatory integration of low-carbon heating systems, such as air source heat pumps, effectively phasing out traditional fossil fuel boilers.
Matthew Parkes, Managing Director at Vistry Manchester and Cheshire East, emphasized the strategic importance of this green approach. “This project is a perfect fit for our mission to provide high-quality, affordable homes that meet the evolving needs of the community,” he stated. “Crucially, this development doesn’t just revitalise a long-vacant site; it pioneers the delivery of sustainable, energy-efficient homes in a prime location in the heart of Oldham.” The commitment to the Future Homes Standard ensures that residents will benefit from significantly lower energy bills and a reduced environmental footprint, providing a much-needed layer of financial and environmental security.
Mixed-tenure model addresses local housing crisis
The scheme is designed to directly address the critical need for affordable housing options in the area by providing a diverse mix of homes managed by FCHO. Upon completion, the 147 units will be allocated as follows:
- 98 homes designated for social rent, providing the deepest level of affordability for families most in need.
- 40 homes allocated for shared ownership, helping first-time buyers and others with moderate incomes get a foot onto the property ladder.
- 9 homes made available via a rent-to-buy scheme, offering a pathway to full ownership.
This tenure split demonstrates a clear alignment with Oldham’s stated housing priorities, particularly the high demand for social rented homes. Mark Gifford OBE, Chief Executive of First Choice Homes Oldham, highlighted the significance of the mix. “Southlink is an exciting and financially robust project that will create much-needed family homes that people can afford to rent or buy and be proud of,” he said. “Delivering this scheme will help us meet Oldham’s housing priorities, especially concerning social rents, and support wider community well-being, sustainability, and economic opportunity.”
The development is set to include a mix of property types, with proposals detailing 50 three- and four-bedroom family houses alongside 97 one- and two-bedroom apartments in three to four-storey blocks, all designed to create an animated and attractive streetscape.
The development site, collectively owned by Oldham Borough Council and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), is a large brownfield plot that has been derelict since the railway station closed in 2009. Utilising this previously developed land, rather than encroaching on protected green belt areas, is a central tenet of the council’s planning strategy.
The location, known as Southlink, boasts excellent connectivity, situated adjacent to the Mumps Metrolink station, which provides frequent tram links directly into Manchester city centre. This transport accessibility significantly enhances the sustainability credentials of the scheme, offering residents an immediate, low-carbon option for commuting and travel.
The project is further supported by crucial grant funding secured from both the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the national housing delivery agency, Homes England. This financial backing underscores the scheme’s regional and national importance in delivering affordable, zero-carbon-ready homes on strategically located brownfield land. The demolition of remaining structures and remediation of the plot are included in the application, paving the way to successfully unlock the site’s development potential.
With the planning application now in the hands of Oldham Council, the local authority’s decision is highly anticipated as a key step toward bringing this major regeneration and sustainable housing project to fruition.
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