Work has started to transform a vacant brownfield site into 15 homes for young people at risk of homelessness.
The one-bedroom apartments are being built at Foundry Street, just outside Oldham town centre, and will provide much-needed accommodation for people aged between 18 and 25 who are leaving the care system.
The development will provide residents with a stepping stone towards independent living and as well as self-contained apartments with a bedroom, bathroom and kitchen, the building will also feature communal areas and will have support staff on-site.
It is being developed by Jigsaw in partnership with Oldham Council, who disposed of the land to Jigsaw to enable the project to be built. The two organisations also submitted a successful joint bid to the Government’s Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme to support the development with grant funding from Homes England.
Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “These apartments will change young people’s lives and give them supported independence when they need it most.
“It’s essential that we have more housing of all types that reflect the needs of Oldhamers at every stage of their lives.
“I’m really proud the council is working with Jigsaw to develop these much-needed homes. It’s a fantastic example of how, together with our partners, we are building a local solution to the national housing crisis.”
Katie Marshall, Group Director of Development and People at Jigsaw Homes Group said: “It is great to see this development underway. This is our second of three new schemes in Greater Manchester helping to meet the need for more quality, supported housing in the region as well as providing personalised support through Jigsaw Support to help residents on the path to independence. It is a great example of partnership working in making this scheme a reality.”
Tailored support for residents includes helping them with finance and budgeting, relationships and support networks, personal interests and hobbies, community connections, employment, education, training and volunteering and physical and mental health.
The development will include a secure communal garden, parking spaces and cycle storage.
Residents will be within walking distance from public transport connections and Oldham town centre, which is being transformed through Oldham Council’s regeneration strategy. This includes up to 2,000 new homes, a redeveloped Spindles and new cultural venues.
The Foundry Street development is expected to complete in February 2026.
