Oldham actress Shobna Gulati saw for herself the great changes taking place in Werneth, at the opening of Oldham’s first ‘Home Zone’.

Oldham actress Shobna Gulati saw for herself the great changes taking place in Werneth, at the opening of Oldham’s first ‘Home Zone’.

More than 200 local residents joined her to discover how the neighbourhood of Werneth is changing for the better.

Shobna cut the ribbon to officially open Oldham’s first Home Zone. The former Coronation Street star saw how developers and the Oldham Rochdale Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder have created a new twist on the traditional terraced street.

Residents and visitors were able to find out more and have their say on the huge developments that are taking place in the neighbourhood.

There was lots going on, with the theme of ‘Changes’ – the event offered advice and demonstrations for anyone who wants to change their diet, lifestyle, or their appearance. Oldham PCT came along to give advice on changing for better health, and smoking cessation.
Plenty of family entertainment was also on offer, with craft workshops, circus performers, street games, face painting, competitions, music and dance.

The fun day was also a chance to meet the development teams working with Oldham Council and Housing Market Renewal to regenerate the neighbourhood. In North Werneth, developer Keepmoat is working with West Pennine Housing Association (part of the Regenda Group), and in south Werneth BASE, a consortium of Barratt and Artisan are working with Great Places Housing Group.
A first phase of ten homes have been constructed at Norfolk Street and Devon Street, and these will be followed by a further six apartments and six houses. All the properties will have an eco-homes ‘very good’ rating, with super high levels of insulation.

The development offers homes for outright sale, for rent and for shared ownership.