Middleton extra care housing scheme officially opened

A new housing project in Middleton that will provide affordable apartments for residents aged 55 and over has been officially opened.

The ceremony was attended by residents and families, Rochdale Borough Council leader Neil Emmott, local councillors, council officers and staff from the Riverside Group housing association.

To mark the day, where the scheme was officially opened by the Riverside Group chair, Terrie Alafat CBE, there were speeches from councillors and Riverside Group directors, the planting of trees, a ribbon cutting and a tour of the new facility at Keswick Gardens, Langley.

The extra care development, delivered by the council’s adult care service in partnership with the Riverside Group, ensures residents aged 55 and over with care needs can live independently with their own front door.

Keswick Gardens provides 88 high-quality one and two bedroom apartments, along with ten bungalows. As well as the stunning new accommodation, dozens of new full and part-time jobs, along with volunteering opportunities, have been created in housing and care, with local recruitment prioritised.

Council leader Neil Emmott said: “To see the scheme officially open was the culmination of a lot of hard work by so many people and was a special day for me as leader of the council and a ward councillor for west Middleton. The facility is a shining example of the high quality value for money services I promised when I became council leader. Anyone living in the accommodation will be happy and content, with their loved ones knowing they are in a safe, welcoming place with everything they need in one location.”

Councillor Iftikhar Ahmed, cabinet member for adult care, said: “This project is at the heart of our vision across adult care to enhance the lives of our residents, reduce health inequalities and ensure older and vulnerable residents have the opportunity to live independently in a place of their choice. I really enjoyed the tour of the building. It really is a stunning design. Through chatting with residents and their families, it was clear how proud they are of the accommodation and how it has been designed, in a dementia-friendly sensitive way.”

John Glenton, Riverside’s executive director for care & support, added: “Like Riverside, extra care truly is about transforming lives and in the case of Keswick Gardens revitalising neighbourhoods too, as this site was an empty space prior to its development. Keswick Gardens offers independent living to our customers - with the care that they need when they need it. That is why I’m so proud to see local people making their homes here. I’ve been involved in this project from the very start and the collaboration, partnership and perseverance, which has been shown by all parties involved to get to this point today has been truly amazing”.