Innovative construction boosts affordable senior housing in Oldham

A new affordable retirement community in Oldham will benefit from faster, cost-effective construction through advanced local manufacturing technology.

Leeds-based Remagin, part of Etex Group, is using Light Gauge Steel Frame (LGSF) Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and partnering with developer McCarthy Stone to build 51 affordable homes at Sydney Grange, supporting local jobs while reducing build time and costs.

All panels for Sydney Grange will be manufactured at Remagin’s factory in Leeds and assembled on-site, highlighting the advanced efficiency and quality MMC brings to affordable housing.

Patrick Balemans, head of division at Etex New Ways and Remagin, said: “This project demonstrates how Modern Methods of Construction can be used to meet the increasing demand for affordable, energy efficient and high-quality housing.

“By manufacturing the panels at our Leeds facility, we’ve not only reduced build times but also contributed to the local economy and created jobs in the regional supply chain.

“We look forward to continuing our work on similar projects that combine speed, value and cost-efficiency.”

The development, part of the Older Persons Shared Ownership (OPSO) scheme, offers homes starting at £95,000 based on 50 per cent ownership.

Sydney Grange is the first in a planned series of projects across the Midlands and North that McCarthy Stone and Remagin plan to deliver, with a focus on addressing the growing need for affordable senior housing with sustainable, energy-efficient solutions.

John Tonkiss, chief executive officer at McCarthy Stone, added: “We are delighted to showcase the first of what will be many more affordable retirement communities that we’ll build in partnership with Homes England and Remagin.

“It is a truly groundbreaking model that provides new retirement apartments at affordable prices and in parts of the country where development previously would not have been viable.”

Shahi Islam, director of affordable housing at Homes England, recently visited the retirement community which will open later this year as well as Remagin’s factory in Leeds. 

He added: “McCarthy Stone's Failsworth development is an excellent example of high-quality and affordable housing for older people.

“We are pleased to support it through our older persons shared ownership scheme which forms a key part of Homes England’s efforts to provide suitable housing and build strong communities. 

“Expanding the use of MMC is also a priority for the programme so it’s great to see the success of the partnership with Remagin. We look forward to supporting this model and seeing it progress.”

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