OHIP Unveils New Vision for Housing in Oldham

Published by Lucy Bradwell for The Regenda Group in Housing and also in Communities, Local Government

The Oldham Housing Investment Partnership (OHIP) has launched an ambitious new business plan which will see over 300 affordable new homes built for local families over the next 12 months.

The announcement was one of a number of commitments unveiled by the partnership at the launch of OHIP’s Business Plan for 2012 - 2013.  These include:

- Delivering 317 new affordable homes and refurbishing 322 in Crossely and Primrose Bank in 2012-2013 through the Inspiral Consortium, which includes Great Places Housing Group;
- Investing over £260million in capital investment, including Private Finance Initiative 4,and spending £1.3 million to bring 75 long term empty homes back into use, in Oldham over the next three years;
- Developing opportunities for social enterprises and new business start ups;
- Creating a sense of belonging in the community through engagement projects which will be delivered by Contour and Great Places and
- Making sure that residents understand how they will be affected by changes introduced by the Welfare Reform Act and talking with them about their options.

Bill Lovat, Chair of OHIP and Regional Director at Regenda said: “This is an important time for the housing sector and it is vital that OHIP continues to play its part in the future of Oldham.  Our strength is in our partnership, with each member representing providers with regional resources and skills to draw upon, in addition to their local presence in this area.  During the next year we will focus on how, by working together, we can continue to support our neighbourhoods and demonstrate what the sector can achieve for Oldham’s communities.”

The plan aims to build on the successes of the past 12 months, which have seen OHIP deliver a number of projects which have helped it to meet its three main objectives of improving neighbourhoods, promoting life opportunities and maximising investment.  These include developing a social enterprise which now provides services to older people in Failsworth; creating fifteen voluntary and work placement opportunities and employing 44 apprentices; referring over 1000 residents for additional benefits advice and handing over more than 110 new affordable homes to residents.

OHIP is a partnership of the social housing providers in Oldham. Its members manage over 19,000 households, which represent 23% of the households in the borough.  The partnership provides training and employment opportunities within Oldham, employing 950 people.  It invests in Oldham by building new homes, delivering planned maintenance programmes and spearheading regeneration in the community.