MP tours £2.5m 'autism friendly' affordable housing scheme

Great Places Housing Group has hosted the MP for Stalybridge & Hyde and local councillors on a visit to its recently completed £2.5 million specialist housing development in Stalybridge.

MP Jonathan Reynolds joined Great Places Housing Group’s chief executive, Alison Dean and members of the project team on a tour of the development in Corporation Street and met residents that have recently moved into their completed homes.

The project is one the latest in Great Places’ work in partnership with Tameside Council to offer affordable housing options in the borough.

Other projects include a £3.2m supported living scheme at nearby Grosvenor Street and a £8.9 million development at Hollins Grange in Hollingworth.

Built on the former site of Stalybridge Police Station, which closed in 2005, in partnership with Watson, the Corporation Street development provides 24 one and two-bedroom apartments across four floors and includes office facilities and a training and a communal room.

The autism-friendly design includes wet rooms throughout, induction hobs, sound proofing, low surface temperature radiators and low-level switches and sockets. A CCTV system, a fire safety system, and a door entry system.

Tenants enjoy their own self-contained apartment but can also access the shared activity room/kitchen and engage with other members of the community.

Corporation Street was designed in conjunction with Tameside Adult Social Care commissioners, applying learning from other Great Places specialist schemes and new build schemes in Tameside. 

Mr Reynolds, who is Secretary of State for Business and Trade, said: “I’m delighted to have had the opportunity to see the progress being made by Great Places Housing Group in delivering much-needed specialist housing in Tameside. The development at Corporation Street is an excellent example of how collaboration between local authorities and housing providers can create high-quality homes that cater to the diverse needs of our community.

“It’s heartening to meet residents who are already benefiting from these new homes, and I look forward to seeing more such initiatives that contribute to the well-being and independence of my constituents.”

Alison Dean, chief executive at Great Places, added: “We were delighted to have the opportunity to host the Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds and local councillors on a visit to one of our latest developments in Tameside.

“The project at Corporation Street exemplifies our commitment to providing high-quality, affordable homes that meet the diverse needs of our communities.

“The collaboration with Tameside Council has been instrumental in bringing this  development to fruition, and we’re proud to see the positive impact it’s already having on residents’ lives.

“At Great Places, we believe that everyone deserves a safe, comfortable, and supportive place to call home, and we will continue to work tirelessly to make this a reality across the borough.”

Rob Watson, director at Watson, added: “This project is an excellent opportunity to provide much-needed specialist homes for supported living in Stalybridge. We're proud to partner with Great Places Housing Group and Tameside Council to enhance local residents' independence and wellbeing, meeting both current and future community needs.

“By transforming this derelict site, we're breathing new life into the area. This development will play a key role in Stalybridge's regeneration, contributing to local economic growth and creating a positive impact across Tameside.”