New Oldham supported housing scheme welcomes first residents 2026

Key Points

• The Foundry, which is a new supported housing scheme in Oldham, has been officially launched with 15 self-contained one-bedroom apartments for young residents.
• The project was developed by Jigsaw Homes Group in collaboration with Oldham Council, Homes England, and Tyson Construction on an unused brownfield site.
• The residents will get tailored support from Jigsaw Support Services in areas such as budgeting, education, work, health and community engagement to facilitate their transition into independent living.
• The money for the project was sourced from the government’s Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme as well as grant funding from Homes England.
• The scheme features a secure common space, car parking spaces and cycle storage, and it is located a stone’s throw away from the town center of Oldham and accessible via public transport.
• One of the residents, Faris, appreciated the security, cleanliness, and access to a key worker, and expressed hopes to start his own takeaway restaurant.
• Housing and council leaders have spoken about the project as an example of successful collaborative efforts aimed at repurposing unused land and boosting support services for young residents of Oldham.

Oldham (Manchester Mirror) August 21, 2026 – It has welcomed its latest supported housing development as The Foundry, a 15-unit scheme of one-bedroom self-contained apartments, begins housing young people with tailored support to help them transition to independent living.

The development, located within walking distance of uk/local/oldham/">Oldham town centre and well connected by public transport, was delivered by housing provider Jigsaw Homes Group in partnership with Oldham Council, Homes England and Tyson Construction, transforming a vacant brownfield site into much-needed homes.

Who opened The Foundry and which partners were involved?

Katie Marshall, Deputy CEO and Group Director of Development and People at Jigsaw Homes Group, met with representatives from Oldham Council, Homes England, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, senior team members at Jigsaw Homes and directors at Tyson Construction to mark the opening.

As reported by the Oldham Chronicle, Marshall said:

“We are pleased to officially open these new homes and welcome residents to the scheme. The scheme provides more than just a place to live. Residents will benefit from personalised support through our Jigsaw Support service, ensuring they can thrive.”

She added:

“It’s also been fantastic to work with Oldham Council, Homes England and Tyson Construction to provide these much-needed homes in Oldham that will make a difference to the community.”

What support will residents receive at The Foundry?

The self-contained homes provide supported accommodation for young people, helping them develop the skills, confidence and independence needed to move on to independent living.

Support includes help 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 Foundry also includes a secure communal area, parking spaces and cycle storage, creating a safe and welcoming environment for residents.

What have residents and officials said about the scheme?

New resident Faris, who recently moved into his apartment at The Foundry having previously been living in semi-independent accommodation, said:

“It’s so great to have a safe place of my own. I’ve been here a week, and it is so fresh, clean and really exciting. I also appreciate having a keyworker that can support me to help me plan my future. I love cooking and hope to open my own takeaway business one day.”

Emma Barton, Deputy Chief Executive (Place) of Oldham Council, added:

“Every young person deserves a safe and secure home, as well as the support and opportunities they need to build a positive future. The Foundry will provide stability, practical help and clear pathways.”

Barton continued: “This scheme is a great example of what can be achieved through partnership working. Together, we have brought land back into use, delivered much-needed homes and strengthened the support available to young people in Oldham. We are proud to have worked with Jigsaw Homes, Homes England and Tyson Construction to make it happen.”

How was The Foundry funded and where is it located?

The scheme was funded by the Government’s Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme alongside grant funding from Homes England.

The Foundry is located within walking distance of Oldham town centre and is well connected with public transport links.

It forms part of a wider programme of regeneration across the borough, which includes the delivery of new homes, the redevelopment of Spindles and investment in cultural and community spaces.

Background to the development

The Foundry forms part of a broader push to expand supported and affordable housing in Greater Manchester, with Jigsaw Homes Group active on multiple fronts. In East Manchester, the provider has earmarked a trio of sites around its headquarters off Oldham Road for redevelopment into 154 affordable homes, including 124 apartments and 30 houses, with 75% for social rent and the remainder for rent-to-buy. Separately, a 100% affordable scheme in Miles Platting, put forward by Jigsaw Homes North, is awaiting a decision from Manchester Council, expected in autumn 2026.

Nationally, the Mayor of Greater Manchester has unveiled plans to deliver a new generation of 50,000 council and genuinely affordable homes, a context in which partnerships between housing associations, local authorities and government funders such as Homes England have become central to delivery. The Foundry’s use of the Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme aligns with this strategic direction, targeting young people who require both housing and wraparound support to sustain tenancies and progress towards independence.

Prediction: how this development could affect young people and the local community

The opening of The Foundry is likely to affect young people in Oldham by providing a stable, supported base from which to engage with education, training and employment, reducing the risk of homelessness and tenancy failure. Access to a keyworker and structured support around budgeting, health and community connections can improve outcomes for residents like Faris, who described the scheme as a “safe place” that helps him plan his future.

For the wider community, the regeneration of a brownfield site into supported housing may contribute to neighbourhood stability and reduce pressure on emergency accommodation and crisis services. As part of a wider borough-wide regeneration programme that includes the Spindles redevelopment and investment in cultural and community spaces, The Foundry could help reinforce Oldham town centre as a more connected and inclusive area, particularly given its proximity to public transport and local amenities.

If similar partnership models are replicated, with Jigsaw Homes, Oldham Council, Homes England and construction partners working together, the approach could inform future supported housing schemes across the North West, particularly where brownfield land can be brought back into use for socially beneficial purposes.