Councillor Dave Sweeton and Councillor John Taylor from Tameside Council, joined Great Places Housing Group and Watson Homes to mark the official start of work on the £5.1m redevelopment of former Stalybridge Police Station site into a newbuild specialist supported living scheme.
Watson Homes, which specialises in building affordable and social housing across the North West is on site now and set to complete works June 2024.
Cllrs Sweeton and Taylor were joined by Stalybridge Councillors, the Council’s Housing and Adult Social Care teams and Peter Lynas of Great Places and Simon Harrison from Watson Homes at the site of the former Corporation Street Police Station.
The site will be transformed into specialist development of 24 one and two bedroom flats, with on-site care commissioned by the Tameside Adult Social Care Team.
Once used by the Cheshire Constabulary, and then later Greater Manchester Police, Stalybridge Police station was built in 1968 and remained in use for 37 years until 2005. The building will be demolished to make way for newbuild homes.
The plans, delivered in partnership with housebuilders Watson Homes, and funded in part by Homes England and Greater Manchester Combined Authority looks to provide much-needed homes for adults needing support with their independence and wellbeing.
Commenting on the start of the project, Peter Lynas, Development Programme manager at Great Places, said: “We’re delighted to be starting work on this project.
“It will transform the currently derelict site into much-needed specialist homes in the local area, where residents can remain close to friends and family in accommodation which meets their support needs.”
Cllr Dave Sweeton, Tameside’s executive member for Inclusive Growth, Business & Employment, said: “It’s exciting to see work finally underway on what has historically been a challenging site and once complete the accommodation will be a great addition to the town centre providing new homes on previously developed land.
“The repurposing of a site no longer in use is another step in the regeneration of Stalybridge and bringing investment to Tameside.
“This scheme will be one of many new developments which will bring a wide range of opportunities for new homes of mixed size and tenure.”
Cllr John Taylor, Tameside’s executive member for Adult Social Care, Homelessness and Inclusivity added: “Supported living accommodation helps our residents lead a healthy and fulfilling life within their own home and community.
“Partnerships in housing developments such as this are crucial to meet current and future needs of residents.”
Rob Watson, director at Watson Homes, said: “Stalybridge has seen substantial investment and regeneration and we are pleased to be giving this derelict site a new lease of life, and creating these homes for supported living.”
Read next: Caerphilly Council delivers 18 new ‘innovative’ homes in a first for Wales
Are you a social housing professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.
