Member Article

Langtree set to transform Oldham site

North West regeneration specialists, the Langtree Group has secured outline planning consent from Oldham Council for a ‘transformational scheme’ at Hollinwood Point, on Hollinwood Junction in Oldham.

The scheme includes the removal of a redundant gas holder which, says Langtree’s chief executive, is necessary for the site to realise its full redevelopment potential.

John Downes of Langtree said: “It’s taken a lot of careful thought and work with Oldham Council to arrive at this point and we’re delighted with the help we’ve received as their preferred developer,” said John Downes of Langtree.

“This will be really good employment-led scheme that will transform the neighbourhood and accommodate up to 1,500 jobs. Our plan is to work with National Grid to remove the redundant gas holder, which is the key to unlocking the site for redevelopment.”

The consent is for a mix of employment uses across more than 215,000 sq ft with some supporting amenity uses such as hotel, pub and nursery.

“If all goes well and subject to funding, we’d hope to be on site with essential infrastructure sometime next year to facilitate redevelopment,” said Mr Downes. “It’s a really good scheme that will bring significant employment opportunities to the neighbourhood, as well as regenerating an area in need of investment.”

Commenting on the investment, Councillor Jim McMahon, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “It gives me pleasure, not only as eader of the council, but also as a ward councillor and resident, to hear that Langtree has secured outline planning permission for their plans as they are hopefully the start of an exciting phase in the regeneration of Hollinwood.

“Oldham Council is committed to working with Langtree to transform this area into a destination that will attract investors and new businesses.

“The redevelopment of this site and the arrival of Metrolink in Hollinwood has the potential to bring many opportunities not just in this area, but also for the borough, in terms of job creation and economic benefits.

“Regeneration work will also help improve the quality of life for residents as they will see derelict land being transformed and regenerated.

“I am sure in years to come residents and visitors to the borough will agree that it was well worth the wait once our vision for the area is complete.”

Langtree, based in Newton-le-Willows on Merseyside, operates a diverse portfolio of directly owned and joint venture property totalling more than 4 million sq ft comprising office parks, industrial estates and trade parks across the north and midlands of England.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .