After 15 Years of Rubble, Derker’s Neighborhood is Finally Reviving
Residents of Derker are thrilled as construction begins on new homes after years of waiting
Derkers, Oldham, Housing, Community, Construction
Oldham: After nearly 15 long years of looking at rubble, the folks in Derker are finally seeing some action. Construction is kicking off for over 100 new homes on sites that have been empty for ages. Places like Cromford Street and London Road are getting a much-needed facelift.
These homes are replacing the old Victorian houses that were torn down as part of a housing renewal scheme that didn’t sit well with many residents. The whole thing was scrapped back in 2011, leaving the area to go wild with weeds and debris.
Now, Hive Homes is stepping in with plans for 132 new two and three-bedroom homes, mixing private and affordable options. It’s a big deal for the community.
Narinda Kaur, who runs a shop nearby, is buzzing about the new development. She’s been watching the area change for over three decades and is hopeful this will bring back a sense of community.
“It’s finally happening,” she said, reflecting on the years of neglect. She remembers how the community felt like it was grieving after the old homes were taken down.
Sharon, another local, agrees that this is a positive step. She’s lived next to one of the empty plots for five years and can’t wait to see new roofs going up. “It can only be a good thing,” she said, noting how the overgrown lots attracted trash and made the area look bad.
But not everyone is thrilled. Stacey, who also overlooks one of the sites, wishes they had just fixed up the old houses instead. “They were built to last,” she lamented, adding that she’ll miss her view.
The new homes will come in various styles, including affordable options, and are set to start popping up by December 2025. Town hall boss Arooj Shah is excited about the project, saying it will bring new life to Derker.
Hive Homes is also making sure the new builds are eco-friendly, with plans for solar panels and a system to recycle heat. It’s a step towards a greener future for the area.
When asked why it took so long to get this project off the ground, Coun Elaine Taylor explained that funding issues made it tough to get decent homes built. But now, it looks like things are finally moving in the right direction.