A new retirement development which is coming to Oldham will also be named after a well-known local figure in Failsworth's history.

A village of retirement homes for the over 60s is in the early stages of being developed over on Ashton Road West in Failsworth.

While CGI images show what the new scheme will look like once construction has been completed, McCarthy Stone, the developer behind the scheme, has promised to deliver a collection of low-maintenance, energy-efficient and affordable, privately owned apartments.

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The homes are designed to support over-60s to make the most of their retirement years.

Now, paying homage to the local history of the area, McCarthy Stone has revealed the development will be named Sydney Grange as a nod to Ernest Sydney.

Mr Sydney served as managing director of Failsworth Hats, a British heritage brand established in 1903 which is still running today, where he gave 53 years of loyal and devoted service.

Failsworth Hats is known for its quality, fine attention to detail and the craftsmanship of hats.

In its 120-year history, the company has gone from strength to strength and is still supplying more than two million hats each year to customers worldwide.

Mr Sydney is also still regarded as a popular historical figure in the area, particularly after he established the Failsworth Trust in 1943 which supported and cared for past and present employees of Failsworth Hats.

More than 80 years later, the Trust continues to play an integral role in supporting the community and its beneficiaries, many of whom still reside in Failsworth.

Declan Fishwick, Business Development Manager at McCarthy Stone said: “While our Failsworth development is under construction, it is important to McCarthy Stone that we become an integrated part of the community.

"As well as looking to invest in the local community through our ongoing Happier Healthier initiative, we also wanted to pay tribute to the great work of a historical and notable Failsworth figure.

“We are delighted to be honouring Mr Ernest Sydney’s contribution to the town of Failsworth, through the naming of our new retirement community.”

James Settle, Director of Failsworth Hats, added: “Mr Ernest Sydney is a huge part of our company’s history and tradition.

"It is heartwarming to see that his legacy will be cemented in the local community through the naming of Sydney Grange."

Sydney Grange will be exclusively available with McCarthy Stone Shared Ownership, giving retirees the option to share some of the property's cost so that they can "afford more and worry less" while maintaining their independence and more time to spend on things they enjoy.

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