Transforming Shaw’s Crompton Health Centre into a 22-Bed HMO: Plans and Community Responses

Developers plan a major change in Shaw, Greater Manchester. They submit plans to Oldham Council. The goal is to change a vacant building into a 22-bed HMO.

The Former Health Centre

The Crompton Health Centre sits on High Street. General practitioners left when they moved to a new centre on Westway. The building, which covers 8,373 sq ft, was not fit for current clinical work. Developers now see a chance to reuse it for housing and to give new life to the area.

Proposed Changes

The plans call for a Change of Use. The old building will turn into 22 self-contained units. Each unit will include a bed area, a toilet, a shower, and a small kitchen. This setup meets the growing need for housing in Shaw.

The plan also adds spaces for the community. There will be a big communal kitchen, an office, a meeting room, and laundry facilities. There will be extra toilet and bathroom units and a shared lounge. Ghaus and Shaukat stress the need for high standards. They promise a safe space through 24/7 CCTV, controlled door access, and a full-time concierge service.

Commitment to the Community

The developers share a clear promise to help the local community. They will work with local authorities, support services, and community groups. Their plan aims to give residents a place to grow, keep their homes, and join in community life.

Shaukat, who manages Carepoint HC in Nelson, has led a similar project before. She helped change a former pub called Weaver’s Answer into emergency accommodation for homeless people. Her past work points to a strong future for the new HMO.

Community Concerns

Local residents have raised objections to the plan. Some say Shaw already has many HMOs. One neighbour said, “A 20 bedroom HMO is too much. The town needs more shops, restaurants, youth centres, and places that help the community.” This view shows that many worry about life quality with more HMOs in the area.

Conclusion

The plan for the Crompton Health Centre shows a balance of housing needs and community life. Developers promise high living standards and active community ties. In contrast, some locals fear that too many HMOs might change Shaw’s character.

Investors and other parties in property should watch these changes closely. The result of this proposal may set a key moment for housing plans in Greater Manchester and lead to more similar projects in the future.

Sources

• Manchester Evening News: Link to the article
• Greater Manchester Housing Policies: Link to relevant housing policies
• Shaw and Crompton Medical Centre Planning Report: Link to planning documents

Observing these plans helps investors see what the property market may do next, especially in the growing HMO sector.