Details of the Development
- 24 one and two-bed apartments, 7 are provided as affordable homes for rent and 17 are available on a shared ownership basis for those looking to enjoy all the benefits of owning their own home.
- £4.1m funding invested into the scheme
- Architect: JDA Architects
- Contractor: RP Tyson
- Employers Agent: Markhams Ltd
A regenerated site formally belonging to Salford Diocese has been transformed into modern apartments for Bolton’s older generation by MSV Housing Group. Columbas Gardens in Tongue Moor was a problematic site prior to development, attracting antisocial behaviour and having become a blight on the local area but with £4.1m of investment, MSV has transformed the site into much-needed homes for the over 55's.
As a nation we are living longer, and as such there is a dire shortage of suitable housing for our older generation. Developments such as Columbas Gardens offer beautifully designed and styled apartments, in a fantastic location, close to everything you could possibly need in your later years. The new homes are a result of partnership work between MSV, Bolton council and the Diocese and will greatly benefit local people needing to move to a more age-appropriate home.
This week the scheme was launched welcoming new residents with a ceremonial tree planting by Bishop John of Salford Diocese. Artwork was also on display for guests to view that had been made by local school children from St Columba’s Catholic Primary School next door.
Charlie Norman, MSV's CEO said: “It’s been great to see multi–generations coming together to celebrate the launch of Columbas Gardens. From the beginning we were determined to develop the site in a way that would give back to a community as it once so lovingly did.
"The scheme has been designed to meet the ‘HAPPI’ (Housing our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation) design principles, ensuring they are adaptable and accessible with plenty of space, natural light and communal areas.
"It has been a real labour of love, but I hope you’ll agree that Columbas encompasses our shared values of building stronger communities and providing more sustainable homes people can afford”.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Cllr Andy Morgan, said: “We are delighted to have worked with our partners to deliver much needed housing for older people.
“As a council, we are committed to making Bolton a place where people can age well and developments like this are vital in helping us achieve that goal.
“It is just the latest example of how an underused site is being brought back into use, as we work to regenerate the borough and make it a better place to live, work and visit.”
A special poem paying homage to Bolton's community life was read by Ibby Ismail, a local poet and MSV's Senior Independent Director and Chair of People & Governance Committee. Residents were joined by Council Leaders, partners from Bolton Council and Homes England, as well as, clergy members of the Salford Dioceses, teachers and children from St Columba’s Catholic Primary School.
MSV Housing is a social housing Landlord with around 9,000 homes in the North West. They have much experience in helping people to rightsize their lives to accommodation that may be more suitable to their needs. They understand the importance of safe and warm housing for long and healthy lives and that feeling part of the community is very much key to the quality of life for people who may otherwise feel at times isolated and alone.
