PEOPLE living in an Ashton-under-Lyne tower block now have warmer and safer homes following £6 million worth of work.
Housing provider Jigsaw Homes Tameside has given Assheton House, on Water Street, a new façade, with new thermally efficient cladding and an upgraded ventilation system.
It also provided new front doors and windows to all 89 flats.
The upgrades form part of Jigsaw’s biggest building safety project to date, with work beginning in February 2024 and completing in September 2025.
Part of it to help future-proof Jigsaw’s older buildings also included the re-lining of the five communal soil vent pipes and the installation of a new fire safety evacuation alert system.
A new electrical boiler heating system was also fitted to all properties, which not only make the building even safer, but it should also help improve the efficiency of the flats by reducing carbon emissions.
Many questions were raised by people when the word Assheton appeared on the outside of the building, with some questioning whether Ashton had been spelled wrong.
However, it refers to 15th century nobleman Sir Ralph de Assheton, after whom the town is named.
Specialist contractor Casey oversaw the building upgrades and a dedicated site manager was on hand to help and provide residents with regular updates and support.
It also transformed part of the frontage of Assheton House, with new seating, planting and a community garden.
Gary Heaton, operations director of asset management at Jigsaw Homes Group said: “These improvements are part of our commitment to future-proofing our homes.
“By upgrading the façade, insulation, and heating systems, we’re not only ensuring Assheton House meets the highest safety standards, but also making homes warmer, more efficient and more comfortable for our residents.”
This is not the first such project in Tameside. Similar energy improvement work has already been done to Jigsaw’s buildings including Chartist House in Ashton and Thompson Court in Stalybridge.
Upgrades are also planned for John Grundy House in Hyde in early 2026.
Steve Goodwin, senior contracts manager at Casey, added: “This has once again been a great example of partnership working between Jigsaw and Casey.
“It’s great to see the transformation and the positive impact this work has had on residents’ lives and bringing Assheton House back to life while improving its safety and efficiency.”