Housing association Great Places Housing Group is teaming up with charity Manchester Histories to run a local history project to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the ‘Gateways to Oldham’ housing and regeneration venture. 

The ten-year £113m project has included the construction of new homes, refurbishment of existing homes and the creation of two community centres in four areas across Oldham: Crossley in Chadderton, Dew Way in Westwood, Primrose Bank in Medlock Vale, and Keswick Avenue in Fitton Hill.

The six-month project will involve interviewing people who lived in these four areas before the regeneration work started, to document their memories along with those of the local and wider community.

The aim is to connect residents with those who’ve gone before and those who will come after. The shared stories and photos will be recorded in a book, to be launched at a celebration event and exhibition to be held at Gallery Oldham in September.

A copy of the finished book will also be added to the borough’s local archives.

Great Places has set up a project steering group for local residents to get involved.

The group will also be involved in making key project decisions including the final celebration and exhibition. 

The project will also run a series of resident workshops working with an artist and historian.

The workshops will look to develop new skills including research, photography and visual storytelling and help participants increase their confidence and reduce social isolation.

Commenting on the project, Paul Doherty, of Great Places, said: “I’m really excited about the plans we have for this project.

“I have a keen interest in social history so can’t wait to hear some of the memories and stories from people who lived in the area prior to the regeneration work taking place.

“We hope that this project will provide a long-lasting reminder of the tenth anniversary for years to come and can be enjoyed by members of the local community.”

Karen Shannon, CEO at Manchester Histories added: “This is a wonderful opportunity to work with local residents to explore the rich and often unheard histories of communities living in Oldham.  

“It’s important that these stories are told to connect people together, to learn from the past and to create positive futures for all.”

 More information on Manchester Histories can be found on its website.