Community comes together to celebrate regeneration success at Birch Lea Park

Local leaders, partners, and residents gathered in Hattersley last month to celebrate progress and partnerships at Birch Lea Park, the latest milestone in Tameside’s 20-year regeneration journey.

The event, attended by Jonathan Reynolds MP, Member of Parliament for Stalybridge and Hyde, and Councillor Eleanor Wills, Leader of Tameside Council, brought together key organisations and community members who have played a vital role in transforming Hattersley into a thriving neighbourhood.

Developed by Onward Homes, Birch Lea Park opened in March and offers 91 modern one- and two-bedroom apartments designed for residents aged 55 and over. The scheme combines independent living with tailored support, featuring on-site amenities including a café and a hair and beauty salon.

Speaking at the celebration, Jonathan Reynolds MP said: “The opening of Birch Lea Park is a key milestone in Hattersley’s 20-year regeneration journey, helping older residents stay in their homes longer while freeing up family homes across the borough. I have nothing but thanks for everyone involved for their vision and commitment to inclusive, high-quality housing.”

Residents have already begun to feel the positive impact of the new community. David, a veteran and Birch Lea Park resident, shared his experience: “Before moving to Birch Lea Park I didn’t like to ask for help. As a veteran living with Parkinson’s and PTSD, I didn’t know what support was out there. But since settling in here, I’ve found not just care, but community. The team has been incredible. I feel safe, supported, and part of something again. It’s given me a new lease of life and I’m glad I reached out.”

Bronwen Rapley, Chief Executive of Onward Homes, praised the collaboration that made the development possible: “Birch Lea Park offers more than just high-quality homes; it is a vibrant community that has been thoughtfully designed to enable residents to thrive.

“The celebration event was a fantastic opportunity to bring together those local partners who have been instrumental in making Birch Lea Park a reality, demonstrating how by working collaboratively we can make a real difference in our communities.

“It was wonderful to hear from our customers about their experiences as they make Birch Lea Park home. I am incredibly proud of what has been achieved and look forward to seeing the scheme continue to thrive in the years ahead.”

Birch Lea Park forms part of the wider regeneration programme in Hattersley, a 20-year initiative to increase the supply and choice of affordable homes and revitalise local neighbourhoods. The scheme promotes independent living with access to 24/7 tailored care, discreet assistive technology, and telecare systems designed for comfort and peace of mind.

The project was supported by £3.22 million in funding from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Brownfield Housing Fund, part of a regional effort to transform former industrial land into quality housing.

Onward Homes is one of the largest registered providers of social housing in the North West, managing over 35,000 homes across Merseyside, Cheshire, Lancashire, and Greater Manchester. The organisation holds G1 (governance) and V2 (financial) ratings from the Regulator of Social Housing, and an A1 (Stable) credit rating from Moody’s.

For more information about Onward Homes and its work across the region, visit www.onward.co.uk.