Published: Tuesday, 13th February 2024
Work has taken a significant step forward for Oldham's brand-new park, set to be created at the Broadway Green development in Chadderton.
This week, contractors Bellaire Contractors Ltd, started work on the first phase of the project, marking the beginning of a green transformation for the local community.
The park is part of the wider Broadway Green development, which is set to include not only the stunning open space but also up to 500 much-needed new homes, 600,000 sq ft of employment space and 2,000 jobs and training opportunities.
To mark the occasion, Cllr Chris Goodwin, visited the site to meet the hard-working people who are making the space a reality.
Phase one of the park will focus on work such as creating footpaths, planting new trees, shrubs and creating wildflower meadows – making the site greener and a pleasant place to spend time.
A new play area will also be installed for families to enjoy, which will blend in with the surroundings. Boards will be installed to share facts about the planting and the historical use of the site.
Speaking on the milestone Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said:
“It’s great to see work starting on the next phase of the Broadway Green development. This initiative is about more than just creating a beautiful open space – it's about building a better future for residents and a town where more people want to live, work, and raise their families.
"I'd like to thank the teams who have worked so hard on this so far, and I'm excited about the positive impact that the space will have.
"Oldham needs more quality homes of all sizes and affordability, and Broadway Green will play a crucial role in achieving this. We're working hard to create local solutions to the national housing crisis.
"Just last week, we announced that Oldham Council are pledging to build new 500 social homes in the borough over the next five years - and over the next 15 years, we're planning to build around 3,000 new homes, many of them affordable, to address the housing gap that currently affects too many people here in Oldham and nationwide."
Completion of the new park is expected in Spring 2025.
Cllr Chris Goodwin, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, added:
"The visit to the site was eye-opening and it was thrilling to find out more about the work taking place. The project is not only about creating a green space but also providing for the well-being of our residents.
"The plans look amazing and our teams have worked hard to design a space that can cater to all walks of life.
"It will be exciting to see the site take shape as the works progress over the coming months."
Meanwhile, more than 230 new homes have already been built at Broadway Green, and Countryside Properties are currently on site delivering the next phase of 160 homes, including affordable homes.
Situated in a prime location, near the M62 and M60 motorways and only two miles from Oldham town centre, Broadway Green is being developed in partnership with Oldham Council, Seddon and Grasscroft Property.
Find out more about the site by watching the short video on YouTube.
Earlier this year, a new Aldi opened its doors on the newly created Lydia Becker Way at the site, creating up to 50 new jobs for Oldhamers.
For more information about the development, visit https://broadwayoldham.co.uk/