School pupils make a muddy boots visit to learn more about modern construction methods in Failsworth

Local primary school pupils swapped the classroom for a construction site this week for a lesson in modern methods of construction, sustainable initiatives and construction health and safety at Sydney Grange in Failsworth.

A group of lucky year three pupils from Propps Hall Junior Infant and Nursery School visited the site of McCarthy Stone’s Retirement Living development, Sydney Grange, to see what is being created in their local community.

During the muddy boots visit they met Forge Construction’s Site Manager, Alan Quilty, to hear more about how McCarthy Stone are adopting the use of Modern Methods of Construction to build this new retirement complex, with the opportunity to ask any burning questions about the building process and why and who the development is being created for.

Highlighting the importance of construction site safety, the year-three children, between seven and eight-years-old, were given high-vis jackets and hard hats for their visit.

McCarthy Stone’s Environment Manager, Lindsay Roberts, joined the visit to speak with the children about the company’s sustainability strategy, leaning more about their approach to sustainable living and building clean and green, to highlight its importance and help educate the next generation.

With the new Retirement Living development located within short walking distance of the school, the children were eager to learn first-hand about construction plans and the role that Sydney Grange will play in the community.

Talking about the day, Declan Fishwick, Business Development Manager at McCarthy Stone, said: “We were delighted to host the children from Propps Hall Junior Infant and Nursery School here at Sydney Grange.

"They were really enthusiastic and engaged as they listened to how our retirement homes are built.

"Opportunities such are these are a great way to help children understand what we do and inspire them to consider construction as a future career.

"Not only that, but it helps us to foster strong relationships with the communities in which we build, which is a key focus at McCarthy Stone.”

Lauren Kay, Deputy Head Teacher at Propps Hall Junior Infant and Nursery School, added: “The children had a fantastic time learning about the new apartments being built in the community and particularly enjoyed learning about the sustainability strategy.

"What’s great about these visits is that they may inspire our young pupils to take up a career in the construction industry one day.”

Boasting views of the Rochdale Canal, Sydney Grange will feature a mix of secure, low-maintenance and affordable retirement apartments for the over 60s.

Each property will be exclusively available through McCarthy Stone’s Shared Ownership scheme in partnership with Homes England, which offers a helping hand by reducing the upfront cost of a new retirement home, through providing a choice of ownerships up to 75%.

Also adding to the development’s appeal are the well-maintained communal spaces, including a spacious lounge and beautifully landscaped garden for meeting family, friends, and new neighbours alike.

For peace of mind, a House Manager will be on-site during office hours to oversee the day-to-day running of the development, with 24/7 emergency call points and door camera entry in place to provide further reassurance.

Those wanting to take a closer look at the sociable spaces and accommodation at Sydney Grange can take a virtual tour of the development via the McCarthy Stone website.

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