Two towns in Greater Manchester to be awarded £20m each from Government funding.

Oldham and Rochdale will benefit from funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (HCLG). This will also be used to boost job skills and build more affordable homes for local people.

Growth Minister Alex Norris said that money enabled the two towns to tackle issues that really matter to the region, rather than a "one-size fits all approach".

Oldham Council leader councillor Arooj Shah said the investment was a "gamechanger", while Rochdale Borough Council leader councillor Neil Emmott said he was "delighted".

"Plan for Change"

The government's "plan for change" focuses on six "milestones" it aims to achieve by the next general election. These include raising living standards and building 1.5m homes in England.

In Oldham, funding will help build up to 2,000 new homes across four sites. These include the Prince's Gate development site, improving the town's private rented sector stock and quality.

The development of an outdoor market in George Square and the redevelopment of vacant retail units is also planned.

Transformed

In Rochdale, a former retail park will be transformed to create the Station Gateway development to deliver more than 200 homes.

The Creates Space development will create new local craft workspaces, retail outlets and a youth arts centre to help community engagement, the HCLG added.

The Hopwood Hall College Rochdale Campus will also benefit from a rebuild of one of the college's buildings. An additional floor for higher education and access students will also be created.

Emmott said he was "delighted" to the secure funding.
"Together, good quality new homes, fantastic educational opportunities and increased access to culture are the cornerstone of the high quality of life we are working so hard to deliver for each and every resident of our borough".

Local Growth Minister Alex Norris said: "The regeneration and improvements coming to Oldham and Rochdale will really put Greater Manchester at the forefront of our decade of national renewal.

"With this £40m package we are tackling issues that really matter to the region, rather than a one-size fits all approach.

"This tailored package will guarantee long-term, sustainable growth that means more money in people's pockets as promised in our plan for change."

Local Growth Minister Alex Norris said:

“The regeneration and improvements coming to Oldham and Rochdale will really put Greater Manchester at the forefront of our decade of national renewal.

“With this £40m package we are tackling issues that really matter to the region, rather than a one-size fits all approach.

“This tailored package will guarantee long-term, sustainable growth that means more money in people's pockets as promised in our plan for change.”