New 80-apartment care development Mowat Gardens set to open in Cleckheaton this autumn

Mowat Gardens is being delivered by Housing 21 in partnership with Kirklees Council and Homes England.

The site sits within Kenmore Drive, a council-owned Local Plan housing allocation, which was identified through the council’s housing growth programme as an opportunity to meet the need for more specialist and accessible housing in Kirklees.

It will provide 61 one-bedroom and 19 two-bedroom apartments for people aged 55 and over to rent and live independently. Residents will have access to care and support tailored to their individual needs, helping people to maintain their independence while having support available when they need it.

The scheme will include a range of communal facilities and residents will also be able to enjoy a cafe and hair salon.

The development has been supported with more than £6million of Homes England grant funding, alongside £500,000 of capital funding from Kirklees Council.

The scheme is part of the council’s ongoing work with partners to bring more high-quality housing opportunities to Kirklees, supporting people to live independently and helping create stronger communities.

The show home is now ready to view, with residents set to move in from early 2027.

Coun Phillip James, cabinet member for housing and physical communities, said: “It’s fantastic to see Mowat Gardens nearing completion and to know that the first residents will soon be able to call this new scheme home.

“This is exactly the kind of opportunity we want to create through our housing growth work: identifying council-owned land, working with the right partners and turning local housing need into high-quality homes that make a real difference to people’s lives.

“Mowat Gardens will provide modern, accessible homes where older people can continue to live independently while having care and support available when they need it.

“It is also a strong example of how Kirklees Council can use its land, funding and partnership role to unlock investment and deliver better housing choices for local people.”

Coun Michael Simmons, cabinet member for adults, social care and public health communities, said: “Good quality, accessible housing can play a vital role in helping people maintain their independence and well-being as their needs change.

“Having care and support available on site means residents can access the help they need while continuing to live in their own home and remain part of their community.

“This approach is an important part of meeting the changing needs of our older residents and supporting people to live healthier, more independent lives.

“This scheme also shows what can be achieved when housing, care and regeneration partners work together around a shared aim. By creating more specialist housing options, we can help people live well for longer and support stronger, more inclusive communities.”

Chantelle Downes, regional Extra Care manager at Housing 21, said: “We are delighted to reach this exciting milestone with the opening of our show home at Mowat Gardens.

“We are grateful for the continued support of Kirklees Council, our employer’s agent TSA Riley, and Robertson, whose expertise and commitment have helped bring our vision to life.

“We look forward to welcoming prospective residents and visitors to see the scheme for themselves ahead of welcoming our first residents in early 2027.”