Construction has begun on a new affordable housing scheme in Bury.
The £6.4 million development, led by First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO), will deliver 27 homes on a brownfield site off Bury Old Road in Heywood.
Elsie Blundell, MP for Heywood and Middleton North, and Councillor Danny Meredith, Rochdale’s cabinet member for housing, marked the official start of works during a visit to the site.
Ms Blundell said: "I was really pleased to break ground at this First Choice Homes development.
"Quality, affordable housing is important for local residents and the energy-efficient features will benefit the budgets of tenants for many years to come.
"I’m excited by the pipeline of future homes to be built, and I am always impressed by the quality of FCHO’s homes and their work with the Council to look ahead to future needs."
Councillor Meredith welcomed the project for transforming unused land into desperately needed housing.
He said: "It is great to see this brownfield site being brought into such important use for much-needed new homes in our borough.
"The homes for social rent will go to people on Rochdale's waiting list, and the rent to buy will help those who want to get a foot on the property ladder as this new development helps address the local housing emergency."
The scheme will include 12 two-bedroom and 15 three-bedroom properties, with 19 allocated for social rent and eight under a rent-to-buy model.
All homes are designed to be energy efficient and will use modern technology such as solar panels and smart meters.
Andy Ewart, executive director of corporate services and deputy chief executive at FCHO, said: "Work is forging ahead on this development and we were delighted to have both Mrs Blundell and Cllr Meredith on site for the breaking ground ceremony."
Built Developments Limited has been appointed to deliver the scheme, which is expected to be completed by May next year.
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