Innovative Middleton housing scheme set to open later this year

Councillor Neil Emmott (second left) and Councillor Billy Sheerin (right) were given a guided tour of the extra care scheme by staff from the Riverside Group

A state-of-the-art extra care housing project in Middleton that will provide affordable apartments for residents aged 55 and over is to open later this year.

The development, delivered by Rochdale Borough Council’s adult care service in partnership with The Riverside Group housing association, will enable scores of people with care needs to live independently.

The scheme, located at Keswick Gardens, will provide 88 high-quality one and two bedroom apartments, along with ten bungalows, for people aged 55 and over. Each room will feature interior décor in line with dementia-friendly government criteria.

In addition to care staff on site, there will be a range of facilities, including a community café, gardens and hair salon that will all be open to the wider community.

It is expected that over 30 new full and part-time jobs, along with volunteering opportunities, will be created in housing and care, with job applications from people living in the borough to be prioritised.

Councillor Neil Emmott, leader of the council, said: “This is a really innovative adult care scheme, in the heart of my West Middleton ward, that is investing in housing opportunities, creating new jobs and delivering important investment for the area. It is exactly the kind of development I want to see in our borough, helping to drive forward our ambitious regeneration plans, supporting older and vulnerable residents and ensuring people can live independently in accommodation of their choice. I am looking forward to the scheme officially opening later this year and being at the heart of the community for many years to come.”

Sally Nichols, head of operations at The Riverside Group, said: “We were delighted to welcome the leader and local councillors from Rochdale Borough Council to see the progress we are making with Keswick Gardens, our new build extra care scheme. We look forward to welcoming them back later this year, once this innovative community service has officially opened.”

Any resident interested in applying to live in one of the flats or bungalows should call 0345 111 0000 (9am-5pm) or email rochdaleextracare@riverside.org.uk