The first homes at a new housing development have been handed over to an Oldham housing association.

The Mill Vale development, based on the border between Oldham and Middleton, will contain 311 houses, and now a milestone has been reached as the developers handed over the keys to the first homes.

Developers Kellen Homes gave the keys to partners First Choice Homes Oldham and Sigma Capital Group.

First Choice Homes will manage the 45 affordable homes on the estate, four of which are specially adapted for people living with a disability.

The new community of two, three and four-bedroom homes is being developed off Don Street in Middleton, on the site of the former British Vita land either side of the River Irk. 

Keith McFarlane, Head of Development at First Choice Homes said: “This project is a perfect example of our continued commitment to provide energy-efficient, good quality affordable housing for rent and shared ownership.

“So, it is fantastic to have the keys to the first 22 of our 45 Mill Vale properties. The majority of these properties - all three or two-bedroom homes - have already been let. We look forward to receiving the keys to the remaining homes in the coming months.”

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Kellen Homes is making a financial contribution of more than £1m towards education, outdoor sports and wildlife and plant life as part of the scheme, while the plans also include the first part of a future link road with Hilton Fold Lane, while allotments will be transferred to the council. 

A total of 550 new trees will be planted on site and 60 bird boxes and 30 bat boxes erected, with Kellen Homes also making a financial contribution of £91,650 towards plant life and wildlife habitat offsite.

Ian Kelley, Chief Executive of Kellen Homes, described the day as a significant landmark. He said “It is exciting to see the first homes in this locally important development handed over to both Sigma and First Choice Homes Oldham alongside the release of the first phase of homes for sale on the open market by Kellen Homes.

“Mill Vale is in a superb location and everyone who has visited and seen the site and the show homes has praised the high quality and design. It is a genuine pleasure to collaborate with established partners to bring forward a mixed tenure development that is tailored to meet local needs.”

Lee Catterall, Associate Development Director at Sigma, said “It has been extremely rewarding witnessing the handover milestone at Mill Vale. This new development is a true testament to the hard work that has been put in across all partners to provide high-quality homes to the local area.

“It’s great to see our partnership with Kellen is continuing to leave a legacy of regeneration and we are delighted to deliver this important project.”

Kellen Homes has also opened the three show homes on the site and released the first of its open market homes for sale.