War hero remembered as name unveiled for £8.5m extra care scheme

A new housing complex for older people in Bury will be named after a local hero of the First World War.

The £8.5 million extra care scheme, due to open in October, will be called Peachment Place. This is in commemoration of Rifleman George Stanley Peachment who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross after losing his life at the Battle of Loos in 1915 helping his injured commander who survived. He was one of the youngest in his battalion and lived close to the new scheme in Manchester Road, Bury.

The Bury Council scheme is being built by Eric Wright Construction on the former Haworth Close site at St Peter’s Road, Bury, supported by funding from Homes England. The development builds on the success of the Redbank scheme in Radcliffe and will provide 60 purpose-built 1 and 2 bed extra care apartments for the over-55s, complemented by communal and community facilities including a hair and beauty salon, a bistro, gardens and other amenities.

Councillor Rishi Shori, leader of Bury Council, said: “Looking after our neediest residents is our highest priority, and this superb development will provide much needed additional high quality extra care facilities at an affordable rent. Residents will have their own front door and personal space, along with access to care and support where needed, communal facilities and organised activities.

“Naming the development Peachment Place is a fitting tribute to a young Bury man whose first thought, even in mortal danger, was to help another in need.

“In the coming months we will start to allocate residents to the scheme, which we anticipate will be extremely popular.”

John Wilson, managing director from Eric Wright Construction, said: “This unique development has been carefully designed and planned to allow older local residents to maintain their quality of life in a place that’s safe and meets individual care needs.

“We’re working on a growing number of complex care schemes across the UK as local authorities recognise the benefits that they bring to health and wellbeing. As a Group, we’ve a long history of working alongside Bury Council and look forward to working in partnership to bring this project to fruition.”

Carl Moore, head of home ownership and supply in the North West for Homes England, said: “We’re pleased to have funded this scheme, which is an excellent example of our commitment to increase the supply of affordable homes, helping older people through delivery of high quality new homes.”

The name Peachment Place was chosen by the council and its partners from a list of suggestions which had a local connection. Voting slips were then sent out to the community who had the final say.

To read more about Rifleman Peachment, go to http://vconline.org.uk/george-s-peachment-vc/4587825792

ENDS

Press release issued: 23 March 2018.

Picture: At the unveiling of the name Peachment Place are (from left) Catherine Newton from Employers Agent; Nicola Spedding from Homes England; John Hancock from Procure Plus; Len Andrews from architects JDA; Cllr Rishi Shori, leader of Bury Council; Sharon Hanbury, head of urban renewal; Cllr Judith Kelly, cabinet member for corporate affairs and regulatory services; Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, cabinet member for finance and housing; Paul Patterson, executive director business growth and infrastructure; Alex Holland, head of property and asset management; Pat Jones-Greenhalgh; John Tierney and Kevin Burgoyne from Eric Wright Construction.