Construction of Specialist Mental Health Supported Housing Scheme Underway
The building of a state-of-the-art supported housing scheme to help people with mental health needs is underway.
Social housing association Prima Group, in partnership with specialist mental health charity Waythrough, is creating the specialist facility in Rutland Street, Ashton-under-Lyne.
The £6.25m development will transform a brownfield site of decaying industrial units that were blighted by fly-tipping and out of keeping with the residential setting.
The bespoke facility will have 19 one-bedroom self-contained apartments featuring combined lounge, kitchen-dining areas with separate bedrooms and bathrooms.
Residents will also be able to use shared living areas and multi-use spaces to help create a community spirit while developing independent living and social skills in a safe environment. Individual and group therapy sessions will also be hosted in the adaptable spaces.
There is a strong sustainability focus throughout the scheme with solar panels, air source heat pumps, electric vehicle chargers and a fabric-first thermal approach reducing carbon emissions.
Ecologically, there will be a sedum roof on the single-storey side extension that provides scooter and bike storage.
Outside areas will be landscaped, giving habitat for birds, hedgehogs and bats, while planting will attract bees and a variety of other insects.
Benches will be placed throughout the enclosed garden to offer tranquil spaces for people to relax in. It is hoped residents will benefit therapeutically by helping tend the garden.
For Waythrough staff who will run the facility, there is an office, meeting room and sleepover accommodation so 24-hour care can be provided.
Robbie Mannion, Development Programme Manager at Prima Group, said: “This is a vitally important service providing specialist care for adults that gives them a great place to call home so they can live independently.
“We are really proud to be working with Waythrough and it is a great example of a practical partnership that builds on both partners’ respective skills and experience to ultimately help people who need it most.
“Too many supported housing schemes across the country are closing due to a lack of funding, with one in three shutting their doors last year, all while demand continues to grow.
“This scheme was only viable due to unique circumstances including land ownership, significant capital contributions from us and Waythrough, along with financial support from Homes England, Greater Manchester Combined Authority via Tameside Council, and recycled capital grant funding.”
Head of Property Services at Waythrough, Mike Scott, said: “We approached Prima Group in 2019 to seek their, the council’s and NHS support in developing the Rutland Street site.
“A unique scheme like this can take time to deliver and we’re delighted that such effective partnership working has allowed us to now see the development in its final phase. This project will have a profound and lasting positive impact on the wellbeing of the people who need our support.”
Councillor Andrew McLaren, Tameside Council Deputy Leader for Growth, Housing and Homelessness, said: “The partnership between Prima, Waythrough, the council, and the NHS is a shining example of how public, private and voluntary sectors can come together to address local housing needs and stimulate growth.
“We’ve worked closely with GMCA and Homes England to secure the essential funding that enabled Prima to begin work on this much-needed scheme, and I look forward to its official opening next year.
“As a council, we remain committed to supporting the development of similar supported housing schemes. The Rutland Street project will provide vital housing for local residents now and into the future.”
Designs for the scheme have a contemporary take on traditional buildings in the area, using materials that reflect nearby houses, featuring red bricks with slate-effect roofs and double-glazed, grey-framed windows.
It has been purposely set back from the road and adjacent properties to fit discreetly into the neighbourhood.
The build is being carried out by one of Prima’s most trusted partners, Wellcare Construction, an SME that operates across the North West which has successfully delivered three other new build schemes for Prima. Work is due to finish in early 2026.
