Tameside’s New Affordable Homes Supporting over 55’s to Live Well at Home 

AFFORDABLE rented homes supporting over 55s to live well and independently have been officially opened in Ashton-under-Lyne.

The development on Henrietta Street was built by Southway Housing Trust in collaboration with Watson and BTP Architects. Tameside Council, who successfully supported the Southway Housing Trust to secure grant funding from both Homes England and Greater Manchester Combined Authority, were all joined by Local MP Angela Rayner to mark the opening of the homes.

The site boasts 42 one-bedroom apartments which are easier to maintain and energy efficient to help lower residents’ fuel bills. To support older people to live well and independently apartments feature bathrooms with walk-in showers, and discreet adaptations placed in homes and around the building. 

The 21,800 square foot development also has a lift, storage for mobility scooters, a communal garden, on-site parking and is within walking distance of local amenities with public transport links to Ashton town centre and Manchester city centre close by.

Brickfields House is a new build to replace the former Emmanuel Court building of mainly bedsits built in the 1970s which were poor quality and no longer fit for purpose.

Councillor Gerald Cooney, Executive Leader for Tameside Council and the Greater Manchester Lead for Housing said: ‘’Building these much-needed, high-quality and affordable homes in Tameside improves the housing circumstances of those more in need. It allows residents to live happy, healthy and independent lives in the place they call home, often close to the people the people they love.’’

‘’Brickfields is a fantastic development and talking to tenants shows just how much this development supports their needs.’’ 

60-year-old Andrew Campbell from Ashton has osteoarthritis and has just moved into Brickfields House to help with his mobility. He said: “I’m excited about my new home because it’s closer to family and age friendly with lifts to help me get around as I struggle on the stairs.

“The homes are modern with new kitchens and the size makes them a lot easier to maintain.”