WATCHING a hated building being demolished proved an unlikely attraction as people queued up to watch Stalybridge’s former police station being pulled down.
It really was a case of going, going, gone as the Corporation Street structure was ripped apart by heavy machinery over the course of a week in early August.
The Correspondent captured the progress of the project to remove a building that, frankly, no-one will miss from the street scene.
Now Watson Homes is working on replacing it with a block of 24 apartments, with on-site care commissioned by the Tameside Adult Social Care Team, with them telling this title they should be occupied by September 2024.
Much debate and conjecture had surrounded what will happen to the police station, which had stood empty since 2005.
And there is still opposition to what will soon be standing on the site, not least because of its design, which was branded ‘ugly.’
Peter Lynas, Development Programme Manager at housing association Great Places, and Simon Harrison from Watson Homes visited the site as work got underway.
My Lynas said: “We’re delighted to be starting work on this project.
“It will transform the currently derelict site into much-needed specialist homes in the local area, where residents can remain close to friends and family in accommodation which meets their support needs.”
And Rob Watson, Director at Watson Homes, added: “Stalybridge has seen substantial investment and regeneration and we are pleased to be giving this derelict site a new lease of life, and creating these homes for supported living.”
Tameside Council is supporting the development and Cllr Dave Sweeton, executive member for inclusive growth, business and employment, said: “The repurposing of a site no longer in use is another step in the regeneration of Stalybridge and bringing investment to Tameside.
“This scheme will be one of many new developments which will bring a wide range of opportunities for new homes of mixed size and tenure.”
Cllr John Taylor, executive member for adult social care, homelessness and inclusivity added:
“Supported living accommodation helps our residents lead a healthy and fulfilling life within their own home and community.
“Partnerships in housing developments such as this are crucial to meet current and future needs of residents.”