Today’s Budget offered predictable foundations. Next, the Government must back real ambition

Incremental stability is a welcome platform for today but the true test of government follow-through will come, writes our CEO, Robert White.
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3 min read
Property & Construction, Company News, Real Estate, Regeneration, Public Sector

Oldham Council has selected Muse as its development partner to bring forward a transformational new neighbourhood in the town, with support from our real estate group.
Muse will create 2,000 new mixed-tenure homes as part of the major regeneration project, which is expected to bring millions of pounds of investment to Oldham. Our development team advised Oldham Council on its in-depth procurement process.
Roy Barry, our head of development, said: “Oldham’s regeneration is a hugely significant moment for the borough and will go a long way to enhancing the community for future generations.
Ambitious local authorities and plans like this are one of the key reasons why Greater Manchester is as a key target for UK and US investors — as outlined by our Northern Investment Index report.
The scheme itself — another northern initiative with national significance — is perfectly in keeping with our purpose-led approach and we look forward to supporting its future progress.
We managed to conclude the detailed legal dialogue in just seven months. That is fast on a project of this scale and complexity. It demonstrates how our team is quick to deliver positive outcomes in public procurement for regeneration, which can sometimes suffer from slow and cumbersome processes."
It was a pleasure to work again with Adam White and his team at CBRE, together with the superb client team at Oldham Council.”
Commenting on the partnership with Muse, Councillor Arooj Shah — leader of Oldham Council — said: “I’m thrilled that we are forging ahead with these exciting, ambitious and truly game-changing plans to create a town centre for future generations to live in, work in and enjoy — and I’m also so pleased that Muse, headed up by a passionate Oldhamer, will be our partner.”
Phil Mayall, managing director (North West) at Muse, said: “We’re at the start of our journey with the council and we’re very much looking forward to getting out in the community as soon as we're able, as we build a brighter future for Oldham, together.”
Brabners’ development team acts for developers, joint ventures, infrastructure providers, funders and local authorities. The team has been recognised by The Legal 500 as having worked on some of the biggest and most complicated development deals of recent times.
Drawing on 25 years of data alongside insights from regeneration leaders, our new research report — Making Places Work — examines how places across the North have changed over time and identifies where genuine, sustained progress has been achieved.
It's a practical tool for policymakers, developers, investors and communities who want to create places that enable the people who live and work in them to thrive.
Download the report to get the full picture.

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