An historic building in Tameside that has been brought back to life to provide supported accommodation for young care leavers has officially been opened by the Rt. Hon Angela Rayner MP for Ashton-under-Lyne.
Ms Rayner cut the ribbon to mark the opening at the newly transformed Cavendish House on Cavendish Street in Ashton-under-Lyne, providing nine new, one-bedroom apartments.
She was joined by Brian Moran, Group Chief Executive of local housing provider Jigsaw Homes Group who delivered and will manage the homes, Kerrie Pryde Operations Director of Jigsaw Support, Lizzie Schofield, Development Manager at Millson Group architects and Chris Casey, Chief Executive of The Casey Group, alongside Cllr Andrew McLaren, Deputy Leader (Growth, Housing and Homelessness) at Tameside Council.
Jigsaw worked closely with Tameside Council, Homes England, The Millson Group and Casey to deliver the scheme at the site of the former industrial building which dates back to 1880.
Undertaking this regeneration project has helped to preserve a valued part of the Cavendish Wharf area – which includes Ashton Canal apartments and the Grade II listed Cavendish Mill – through the Council’s commitment to retain the site that was once earmarked for demolition and Jigsaw’s vision and investment in the historic structure.
Funded by the Single Homeless Accommodation Programme, Cavendish House provides purpose-built supported accommodation for care leavers aged 18-25, all allocated by Tameside Council to help meet local housing need.
It has been designed to give young people a new start in life, featuring fully furnished apartments complete with carpets and blinds, external gardens and three visitor parking spaces. Support will be provided by Jigsaw Support teams based at nearby Cavendish Mill which will including employability support, tenancy sustainment, and access to programmes run through the Women’s Centre.
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: “This is one of five supported housing projects we have delivered in Greater Manchester in the last three years – and the third in Tameside. We have three more due to be delivered in the next 12 months. This shows what makes Jigsaw unique. We don’t just provide homes; we also provide tailored support to help people build their lives. Through Jigsaw Support we will also help residents with training and employment, wellbeing and 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 a building into self-contained homes 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 respects its historic setting while making a meaningful difference to people’s lives, with lasting social impact.”
