Hattersley over 55s scheme

Rowlinson staff recently welcomed the Hattersley Central scheme partners on site to celebrate a major construction milestone as the over 55s Housing with Care building reached its highest point.

The ‘Topping Out’ event saw partners come together to sign one of the final trusses before it was installed into the roof at the newly-named Birch Lea Park.

Bronwen Rapley, chief executive at Onward Homes, said: “It has been very rewarding to mark this milestone with our partners at Tameside Council and Rowlinson, as we reflect on the progress and successes at Birch Lea Park.

“Two years ago, this site was unused, derelict land peppered with rubble, which many considered too challenging to develop. Fast forward to the present and you can really start to picture the finished building, as well as the lifestyle on offer to future Birch Lea Park residents.

“Bringing this brownfield site back into use for the local community has taken a concerted effort and strong partnership working. This vibrant new place will offer comfortable, high-quality accommodation for older people in the area, with care tailored to meet their ongoing needs.”

It’s great to share this important construction milestone with our partners, who could see first-hand how much progress has been made to date.

Paul Higgins, Rowlinson, and Bronwen Rapley, Onward, celebrate topping out on the roof of Birch Lea Park

Once complete, the development will offer independent living for older people looking to downsize, with modern 1 and 2-bedroom apartments complemented by a range of on-site amenities including a hair salon, café, laundry and 24-hour on-site care tailored to individuals’ developing needs. It will also feature a private courtyard and garden for residents.

Work has already completed on the first two sites within the Hattersley Central development, providing nine new build homes for affordable rent at Horeb Close and 15 homes sold through shared ownership on Underwood Road.

David Chilton, managing director, Rowlinson said: “It’s great to share this important construction milestone with our partners, who could see first-hand how much progress has been made to date. Once complete, the building will be a true asset for Hattersley, offering older people a new choice of supported living in a stunning setting.

To date, work at Birch Lea Park, has already included:

• installing 248 tonnes of structural steelwork.
• laying 170,000 concrete blocks,
• recycling 813 tonnes of waste left from the site’s previous uses,
• clocking-up 129,000 working hours, and
• supporting seven apprentices to gain new skills and experience on site.

Nicola Elsworth, assistant director of investment, development and housing at Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council, said: “Our partnership with Onward Homes in Hattersley is continuing to create new homes and transforming a derelict brownfield site into much needed housing in the area. Creating new spaces and improving the public realm is also key to enhancing Hattersley as a great place to live.

“Seeing the plans come together while also bringing added benefits, like supporting the local workforce with jobs and skills which help meet the aims of the Council’s Inclusive Growth Strategy, is really important for Tameside as a whole.”

With funding from Homes England and the GMCA Brownfield Land Fund, Onward is delivering a total of 161 new homes across three neighbouring sites, collectively known as Hattersley Central, being constructed by Rowlinson.

Date published: 28/03/2024