Supported housing scheme opens in Tameside

A historic Tameside building has been brought back to life to provide much-needed supported accommodation for young care leavers.

Ms Rayner, MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, cut the ribbon at the newly transformed Cavendish House on Cavendish Street, marking the completion of a major regeneration project that has created nine new one-bedroom apartments for young people aged 18 to 25.

The development has been delivered by local housing provider Jigsaw Homes Group, which will also manage the scheme, in partnership with Tameside Council, Homes England, The Millson Group and The Casey Group.

Angela Rayner was joined at the opening by Brian Moran, Group Chief Executive of Jigsaw Homes Group; Kerrie Pryde, Operations Director of Jigsaw Support; Lizzie Schofield, Development Manager at Millson Group (architects); Chris Casey, Chief Executive of The Casey Group; and Cllr Andrew McLaren, Tameside Council’s Deputy Leader with responsibility for Growth, Housing and Homelessness.

Cavendish House occupies the site of a former industrial building dating back to 1880. Once earmarked for demolition, the structure has now been sensitively restored, helping to preserve a valued part of the Cavendish Wharf area, which also includes the Ashton Canal apartments and the Grade II listed Cavendish Mill.

Funded through the Single Homeless Accommodation Programme, the scheme provides purpose-built supported housing for care leavers, all of whom will be allocated by Tameside Council to help meet local housing need.

The apartments are fully furnished and include carpets and blinds, external garden space and three visitor parking spaces. Residents will receive tailored support from Jigsaw Support teams based nearby at Cavendish Mill, including help with employability, tenancy sustainment, wellbeing, financial advice and access to programmes delivered through the Women’s Centre.

Speaking at the opening, Angela Rayner MP said: “It’s great to see these old buildings brought back to life, but even more important is the purpose they will now serve. I am incredibly proud that all the work that has gone into Cavendish House means it is going to be used for decades to come to help people who need it.

“This is more than a building; this is a symbol of renewal for our area, giving communities the chance to thrive and the people who deserve opportunities the chance to build their futures here.”

Brian Moran, Chief Executive of Jigsaw Homes Group, said the scheme demonstrated the organisation’s commitment to combining housing with long-term support.

“This is one of five supported housing projects we have delivered in Greater Manchester in the last three years – and the third in Tameside – with three more due to be completed in the next 12 months,” he said.

“We don’t just provide homes; we provide tailored support to help people build their lives. Through Jigsaw Support, residents will receive help with training and employment, wellbeing, financial advice and tenancy sustainment, giving them the foundations to thrive independently.”

Chris Casey, Chief Executive of The Casey Group, added: “Projects like this truly reflect Casey’s purpose of improving lives. The sensitive transformation of this historic building has created a safe, dignified environment where people can begin to build their lives and move towards independence. We’re proud to have worked in partnership to deliver a scheme that will have a lasting social impact.”