Homes England welcomed to new Manchester development
On track to open early next year, McCarthy Stone has welcomed the government’s housing and regeneration agency to view its new retirement community.
The development, which is located in Oldham, is set to offer hundreds of new high-quality affordable apartments for older residents.
Image: McCarthy Stone-Home England visit
It’s safe to say the development, which is otherwise known as the Sydney Grange scheme, was much needed as half of the apartments have already been taken.
Inspiration for the project came after it was revealed that there are around three million older people in the UK who own their own homes but possess limited equity and are unable to move into homes more suited to their needs.
Alongside being accessible, the development, which was constructed by McCarthy Stone and is comprised of one- and two-bedroom apartments, is also affordable. Individuals have the choice to choose property options up to 75% ownership. Rent is payable on the remaining share except where a purchase is at 75%, when no rent is paid.
Just when you thought things couldn’t get any better, they did. The development is constructed in full using a sustainable two panelised system developed by Remagin, Europe’s leading manufacturer of Light Gauge Steel Frame (LGSF) MMC solutions.
A look inside McCarthy Stone’s new apartments.
Commenting on the news, Shahi Islam, director of affordable housing at Homes England, who led the visit, said: ‘McCarthy Stone’s Failsworth development is an excellent example of high-quality and affordable housing for older people. We are pleased to support it through our older persons shared ownership scheme which forms a key part of Homes England’s efforts to provide suitable housing and build strong communities. Expanding the use of MMC is also a priority for the programme so it’s great to see the success of the partnership with Remagin. We look forward to supporting this model and seeing it progress.’
John Tonkiss, CEO at McCarthy Stone, added: ‘We are delighted to showcase the first of what will be many more affordable retirement communities that we will build in partnership with Homes England and Remagin.’
‘This visit highlights our shared vision of creating homes that are not just places to live, but thriving and affordable communities where older people can enjoy an enhanced quality of life,’ John continued. ‘It is a truly groundbreaking model that provides new retirement apartments at affordable prices and in parts of the country where development previously would not have been viable. We look forward to continuing this partnership in the months and years ahead.’
As well as visiting the Manchester development, the Homes England team also stopped in at Remagin’s factory in Leeds where the LGSF panels are made. Through the scheme, build programmes have been accelerated by up to 50%, and defects significantly reduced. Residents are also set to benefit from reduced energy bills.
In related news:
The future of council housing ‘hangs in the balance’ – report
