Willmott Dixon has started work on a £28m affordable housing scheme in Oldham town centre for developer Muse and Oldham Council, marking the first phase of the Prince’s Gate development on the former Prince Street Car Park.
The contractor will build 75 affordable homes within a six-storey block known as Block C, located next to the Mumps Metrolink stop on a brownfield site in the town centre. Muse is delivering the wider scheme in partnership with Oldham Council, with Oldham-based Willmott Dixon appointed as contractor.
The homes have been designed to meet the Future Homes Standard, with the project partners targeting energy performance around 70-75 per cent better than current Building Regulations. The development forms part of the wider regeneration of Oldham town centre and is intended to make use of previously developed land while increasing the supply of affordable housing.
Alongside the construction programme, Willmott Dixon is expected to provide employment support, work experience and T Level industry placements for Oldham residents and students. The contractor also plans to work with local micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations through its supply chain, creating opportunities for local businesses to participate in the project.
Construction is scheduled for completion in summer 2028.
Willmott Dixon North managing director Anthony Dillon said: “We share Muse and Oldham Council’s passion for ensuring this landmark project will create opportunities for Oldham people.”
Muse senior development manager Alex Vogel said the development would form a gateway into the town centre and support Oldham’s wider regeneration programme. Oldham Council deputy chief executive for place Emma Barton said the start of main construction marked another stage in the council’s long-term plans for the town centre.
The Oldham project forms part of Willmott Dixon’s wider residential workload across the North and beyond. The contractor is also delivering 81 net-zero homes at Station Gardens in Rochdale and 82 homes at the £24m Hough Top development in Leeds. It has also been appointed to the £114m Stage regeneration scheme in Luton, which will provide 292 apartments, including 84 affordable homes.
Willmott Dixon has an established track record in Oldham, having previously delivered the £63m Spindles Town Square redevelopment and the £13.1m Welcome Building and Forestry Skills Centre at Northern Roots. The Prince’s Gate scheme adds another significant project to that portfolio while contributing to the continued regeneration of the town centre and the delivery of new affordable housing.
