Hattersley apartment block hits new heights with major construction milestone

The partnership delivering 91 new apartments for over-55s in Hattersley has celebrated a significant construction milestone, after the state-of-the-art building reached its highest point.

Tameside Metropolitian Borough Council (TMBC) joined housing association Onward Homes and Stockport-based contractors Rowlinson Construction for a Topping Out event at Birch Lea Park, the latest Housing with Care scheme to be delivered by Onward in Greater Manchester.

Onward’s chief executive Bronwen Rapley, and Rowlinson’s managing director David Chilton, welcomed Tameside’s assistant director of investment, development and housing Nicola Elsworth to the Hattersley Central site along with Hattersley’s Longdendale ward councillors, to sign one of the final trusses before it was installed into the roof.

Once complete, Birch Lea Park will offer independent living for older people looking to downsize, with modern one- and two-bedroom apartments complemented by a range of on-site amenities including a hair salon, café, laundry and 24-hour on-site care tailored to individuals’ developing needs. The building will also feature a private courtyard and garden for residents.

Birch Lea Park is being built on long-derelict brownfield land in the centre of Hattersley, formerly home to the town’s last remaining tower block. Through funding from Homes England and the GMCA Brownfield Land Fund, Onward is revitalising three neighbouring sites known collectively as Hattersley Central, delivering a total of 161 new homes and new public realm.

Bronwen Rapley said: “It has been very rewarding to mark this milestone with our partners at Tameside Council and Rowlinson, as we reflect on the progress and successes at Birch Lea Park.

“Two years ago, this site was unused, derelict land peppered with rubble, which many considered too challenging to develop. Fast forward to the present and you can really start to picture the finished building, as well as the lifestyle on offer to future Birch Lea Park residents.

“Bringing this brownfield site back into use for the local community has taken a concerted effort and strong partnership working. This vibrant new place will offer comfortable, high-quality accommodation for older people in the area, with care tailored to meet their ongoing needs.”

Nicola Elsworth said: “Our partnership with Onward Homes in Hattersley is continuing to create new homes and transforming a derelict brownfield site into much needed housing in the area. Creating new spaces and improving the public realm is also key to enhancing Hattersley as a great place to live.

“Seeing the plans come together while also bringing added benefits, like supporting the local workforce with jobs and skills which help meet the aims of the Council’s Inclusive Growth Strategy, is really important for Tameside as a whole.”

Rowlinson has already completed works on the first two sites at Hattersley Central, providing nine new homes for affordable rent at Horeb Close, as well as welcoming new residents to The Alders, a collection of 15 homes on Underwood Road sold through shared ownership.

At Birch Lea Park alone, Rowlinson has already installed 248 tonnes of structural steelwork, laid 170,000 concrete blocks and recycled 813 tonnes of waste left from the site’s previous usages. The development has required 129,000 working hours for the predominantly local workforce, while supporting seven apprentices to gain new skills and experience on site.

David Chilton, managing director, Rowlinson said: “It’s great to share this important construction milestone with our partners, who could see first-hand how much progress has been made to date. Once complete, the building will be a true asset for Hattersley, offering older people a new choice of supported living in a stunning setting.

Elsewhere in Hattersley, Onward will soon complete 27 new homes for Affordable Rent with contractor Equans, on land between Hare Hill Road and Porlock Avenue. Onward is also developing proposals for enhancing Hattersley’s Waterside Clough and a creating a new Multi-Use Games Area as part of a Public Realm Agreement with Tameside Council.