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First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) has replaced Robwood Construction Limited with John Southworth Builders Ltd on the delayed Shaw Street affordable-housing scheme in Royton. FCHO terminated Robwood’s fixed-price contract on 9 June 2026 after judging progress unacceptably slow and performance below the required standard, then took control of the site. John Southworth’s survey found substantial unfinished work, defects and design elements requiring further attention for building-regulation compliance. The replacement contractor is expected on site within weeks, with FCHO targeting completion by the end of July 2027. The eventual extra cost, practical-completion date and first resident move-ins have not been published.
What happened to the Shaw Street development in Royton?
The scheme is a 30-home affordable-rent development on the former High Barn Resource Centre site. First Choice Homes Oldham appointed Robwood Construction in May 2022 under a fixed-price contract, with the apartments originally due to be completed in February 2024.
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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →By June 2026, FCHO said the project was more than two years late. On 9 June it terminated Robwood’s contract, took control of the site and informed nearby residents by letter. FCHO chief executive Mark Gifford said the delay had become unacceptable and that there was no realistic prospect of completion unless the housing association intervened.
Place North West later reported that Robwood entered compulsory liquidation. That is independent trade reporting, not a statement attributed to FCHO.
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Why did FCHO change contractors?
FCHO’s stated reasons were the length of the delay and the quality and pace of delivery. The original contractor had not brought the development to completion by the February 2024 date, and FCHO described progress as unacceptably slow and performance as below the required standard.
Taking possession of a partially built scheme also allowed FCHO to commission a condition survey before appointing a replacement. Andy Ewart, FCHO’s executive director of corporate services and deputy chief executive, said the problems were extensive enough that the project could not simply resume at the point Robwood stopped.
Who is finishing the delayed Oldham flats?
John Southworth Builders Ltd is the new main contractor. FCHO announced the appointment on 21 October 2026 and said the firm was expected to mobilise on site within weeks. Its survey covered the building and external areas and is being used to shape the recovery work.
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The development’s lead developer is identified by Place North West as Lancet Homes, with MPSL as designer. The same report says the homes were intended to achieve an EPC rating of B.
What is being built at Shaw Street?
The reported project value is £3.7 million. The homes are all affordable rent, comprising 15 one-bedroom and 15 two-bedroom apartments.
| Project detail | Published information |
|---|---|
| Location | Shaw Street, Royton, on the former High Barn Resource Centre site |
| Homes | 30 apartments |
| Unit mix | 15 one-bedroom and 15 two-bedroom flats |
| Tenure | Affordable rent |
| Reported project value | £3.7 million |
| Lead developer | Lancet Homes |
| Designer | MPSL |
| Intended energy rating | EPC B |
What defects were found at the site?
FCHO has not published an itemised defect schedule. Its public description says John Southworth identified substantial outstanding construction work, defects requiring correction and design elements needing further attention to meet building regulations.
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Ewart said the problems must be corrected so the building can be completed safely and certified appropriately. Those statements do not establish that any particular structural, fire-safety or building-services defect exists. FCHO has not identified specific trades, products or materials, nor released a remedial specification.
What the survey means for the programme
The incoming contractor must establish what can be retained, what must be repaired and what needs redesign before work proceeds at full pace. That investigation is why the recovery cannot be treated as a straightforward continuation of the old contract.
When will the Royton affordable flats be completed?
FCHO’s current target is the end of July 2027. This is a delivery target rather than a certified handover or occupation date. FCHO has not announced practical-completion certification, first lettings or resident move-in dates.
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| Milestone | Date or status |
|---|---|
| Robwood appointed | May 2022 |
| Original completion date | February 2024 |
| FCHO terminated Robwood’s contract and took control | 9 June 2026 |
| John Southworth announced as replacement | 21 October 2026 |
| Revised completion target | End of July 2027 |
How much will the contractor change cost?
The additional cost of delay and remedial work has not been disclosed. Construction Enquirer reported Ewart describing the extra amount as a “substantial sum”. The £3.7 million figure is the reported value of the original Shaw Street project; it is not the price of John Southworth’s replacement contract or a revised all-in budget.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesUntil FCHO publishes a final account or updated budget, the financial impact cannot be stated reliably. The eventual figure could include surveys, redesign, remedial construction, extended site overheads and other delay-related costs, but FCHO has not itemised any of those components.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What should residents and neighbours expect next?
FCHO has acknowledged residents’ frustration and said a contractor and detailed plan are now in place. Visible activity is expected after John Southworth mobilises. The housing association previously wrote to neighbours about the site takeover; further practical information will depend on the contractor’s programme and regulatory sign-offs.
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- Construction activity should resume under John Southworth’s supervision once mobilisation is complete.
- Outstanding work and defects must be addressed before the homes can be certified.
- The July 2027 date remains a target, not a guaranteed handover.
- Lettings and occupation dates have not yet been announced.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the original completion date for the Shaw Street flats?
Robwood Construction’s fixed-price appointment in May 2022 specified completion in February 2024. FCHO later described the scheme as more than two years late when it took control in June 2026.
Is the £3.7 million figure the cost of the replacement contract?
No. It is the reported value of the Shaw Street project. FCHO has not disclosed John Southworth Builders’ contract price or a revised total budget.
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Has FCHO published a list of the construction defects?
No itemised list is public. FCHO has referred only to unfinished work, defects and design elements needing attention for building-regulation compliance.
How many homes are planned, and what size are they?
The scheme contains 30 affordable-rent apartments: 15 with one bedroom and 15 with two bedrooms. The reported intended energy performance is EPC B.
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