First Choice Homes Oldham announce new contractor framework

Published by Claire Tinston for IPB Communications in Housing and also in Communities

First Choice Homes Oldham has announced the details of the contractors who will undertake the company’s massive £149 million improvements to our homes and communities over the next five years following transfer. 

The contractor framework is worth £90 million of the overall investment of £149million and will be completed in the remaining four years.

Local companies from Oldham, Rochdale, Manchester and Lancashire are among the 14 specialists which have been appointed.

FCHO’s Chief Executive Cath Green confirmed the contracts at a special event at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on Thursday and pledged that local people will benefit from the multi-million pound investment: “The money will be spent improving tenants’ homes and estates - but this is about more than just bricks and mortar.

"Just as important are our contractors’ commitments to creating new apprenticeship schemes. We are working with local employment and training organisations to make sure that local people get those opportunities.”

She added: “We are committed to using local contractors wherever possible so even in these difficult economic times this is a major boost to the whole borough.”

The contractors have undergone a rigorous selection procedure and FCHO customers have been involved throughout. They have attended site visits to all the contractors and have agreed the customer care process and discussed the key performance targets which the contractors will have to meet.

Councillor Dave Hibbert, Cabinet Member for Housing, Transport and Regeneration, also welcomed this important milestone.

He said: “The council is delighted that the new framework of contractors has been announced. When we first agreed to consult tenants on transfer we could see the enormous benefits which it could bring to the whole community.

“First Choice Homes have hit the ground running and are carrying out the promises we made to tenants. This is a good day for the whole borough.”