Irwell Valley Homes breaks ground at new supported housing scheme in Bury

A Greater Manchester housing association has celebrated the start of construction of a new supported housing scheme in Bury.

Irwell Valley Homes is bucking the trend with the development in Willow Street for adults with additional needs, with research from the National Housing Federation (NHF) highlighting that one in three supported housing providers has been forced to close services in the last year. Alarmingly, it also found that 60% of those surveyed expect to close schemes in the future.

The plans for the 13 new homes have been developed in partnership with commissioners from Bury Council and will support adults with physical and/or sensory disabilities, learning disabilities and autism.

Working in partnership with Persona Care and Support, the £3.3m development will allow residents to live independently, with access to 24-hour support – meeting the significant need for this type of accommodation in the borough.

The scheme will complement and extend the services of neighbouring Queensberry Place, which has a proven track record of supporting people with additional needs to live independently over the last 22 years.

Funding has been provided by Homes England – who have invested £1.3m – and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) – who provided £260,000 from their Brownfield Development Fund.

Representatives from Bury Council, GMCA, Persona Care and Support and PLP Construction joined with Irwell Valley Homes colleagues for the ground-breaking ceremony, following completion of the demolition of a former food processing unit on the site at the end of last year.

Sasha Deepwell, Chief Executive of Irwell Valley Homes, said: “Supported housing provides a vital service to the people in our society who need the most support, from survivors of domestic abuse to young people leaving care. It helps people to live well, with independence and dignity, in their communities, and makes considerable savings for the public purse.

“Just this week, further NHF research has found that a chronic shortage of supported homes is causing significant issues with bed-blocking – with 153 people a week unable to be discharged from hospital because of a lack of supported housing which meets their needs.

“These alarming findings make us more determined than ever to move forward with new supported housing for those who need it. Here in Bury, the development at Willow Street will help people access the housing they need, closer to their loved ones and community.”

Leader of Bury Council, Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, said: “It’s essential that there is a range of housing options in Bury so that residents have a real choice over where they live and the type of home that is most suitable for their needs.

“This development in Willow Street provides much-needed accommodation for people who need additional support, and I am sure it will be extremely popular and welcome.”

City Mayor Paul Dennett, GMCA’s lead for Housing First, said: “Greater Manchester is committed to building high-quality, comfortable and affordable housing for all. That is why it is great to see this project get started to support some of the most vulnerable in our community to live well.

“The Brownfield Development Fund continues to contribute to some of the most important housebuilding projects across the city-region and I look forward to following the development of this scheme.”

Kat Sowden, Managing Director of Persona Care and Support, said: “We are delighted to be part of this exciting development which will provide high quality homes for people in Bury.

“When we get the type and quality of accommodation right it is the foundation for people to thrive. We know what can be achieved when housing and care partners work hand in hand and we are looking forward to building on our strong relationship with colleagues at Irwell Valley Homes to provide great housing and support for the tenants of Willow Street.”

Stuart Belfield from PLP Construction added: “We are very pleased to be working with Irwell Valley Homes and Persona Care and Support to deliver such sought after accommodation in our local community.”

ENDS

Issued: 14 February 2025.

Pic caption: Colleagues and partners of Irwell Valley Homes gather at Willow Street for the ground-breaking ceremony of their new supported housing scheme.