£19m extra care scheme to provide 98 affordable homes in Langley for over 55s

A new £19million extra care scheme in Langley, Middleton, is set to provide 98 affordable homes for those aged over 55, plus a range of training and employment opportunities.

The former site of the 'Three Sisters' tower blocks will be regenerated by the Riverside Group and Rochdale borough Council to form Keswick Gardens, a development designed to enable older residents with varying care and support needs, to live independently in a safe environment.

The development will consist of 88 one- and two-bed apartments for people with extra care needs, plus 10 bungalows for adults over 55 and further onsite facilities including a café and hair salon.

The new scheme is due to open its doors in summer 2023 and will feature interior décor in line with dementia-friendly government criteria.

Applications for housing will be through the local authority and are now open for individuals looking to live at Keswick Gardens, and training available in readiness for vacancies opening, aimed at those wanting to develop their career in housing or care.

The opening of Keswick Gardens is expected to bring a mix of new jobs including full and part time care staff, catering, domestic and management positions to the area, as well as housing roles.

Councillor Daniel Meredith, Rochdale Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “This is a really innovative and visionary scheme that will provide good quality housing for scores of older people and those with care needs in our borough.

“In addition, the cash injection will boost the local economy, create new jobs and deliver a wide range of training. I am passionate about providing residents with high quality independent living opportunities, in a place of their choice, so I am really looking forward to this pioneering project being completed.

“It underlines our timeless cooperative values, working in partnership with others, at their very best.”

Councillor Iftikhar Ahmed, Rochdale Borough Council’s cabinet member for adult care, said: “Ensuring older people and those with care needs have access to good quality housing opportunities is one of our key priorities, so I am delighted to see this superb scheme progressing to the next stage.

“This is about ensuring people have access to good quality housing, creating a range of employment opportunities, and boosting people’s mental health and wellbeing. I know this will be a really forward-looking, visionary development, showcasing the pioneering spirit of our borough at its very best.”

Riverside’s team are holding a community open day event on Thursday 8 September for anyone interested in finding out more about living or working at Keswick Gardens.

You can catch them at Burnside Community Centre on Burnside Crescent (Middleton, M24 5NN) from 2pm to 4pm, and then again at 6pm to 8pm. Refreshments and activities for children will be available.

Sally Nicholson, Riverside’s Head of Operations, said: “We’re really looking forward to bringing this new scheme on Keswick Close to the community, giving choice to individuals to live independently while providing numerous housing and care employment opportunities. So if you’re interested, we’d love to meet up and have a chat with you.”