New retirement development named in homage to well-known Failsworth entrepreneur

Date published: 18 October 2023


A new retirement living development coming soon to Failsworth is to be named after a well-known local figure in Failsworth’s history.

McCarthy Stone, the UK’s leading developer and manager of retirement communities, has named the new development on Ashton Road West, Sydney Grange.

The name was chosen as a nod to Mr Ernest Sydney, who served as Managing Director of British heritage brand, Failsworth Hats, where he gave 53 years loyal and devoted service.

Failsworth Hats began in 1903, and is known for its quality, fine attention to detail and craftmanship of its hats.

The company goes from strength to strength, and after 120 years is still supplying over two million hats each year to customers worldwide.

Mr Sydney continues to be a highly-regarded and popular historical figure in the area, where in 1943 he established the Failsworth Trust, with the purpose to support and care for both past and present employees of Failsworth Hats.

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

McCarthy Stone has released CGI images of what the exciting new scheme will look like, with construction currently underway.

Once complete, Sydney Grange will compromise a collection of low-maintenance, energy efficient and affordable privately owned apartments, designed to support over-60s to make the most of their retirement years.

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.

Mr Ernest Sydney

“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.”

Coming soon to Failsworth, the development will offer a fantastic location, with a wide range of amenities on the doorstep and beautiful waterside walks along Rochdale Canal.

It will include a wealth of attractive shared spaces, including a communal lounge and maintained gardens, plus a dedicated House Manager and the latest safety and security features to give homeowners added reassurance and peace of mind.

To make retiring in style more accessible, all the properties at Sydney Grange will be exclusively available with McCarthy Stone Shared Ownership, giving retirees the option to share some of the property’s cost, so they can afford more and worry less while maintaining their independence with more time to spend on the things they enjoy.

More than nine out of 10 customers would recommend McCarthy Stone to a friend, ensuring it has received the full Five Star award for customer satisfaction from the Home Builders Federation.

McCarthy Stone is the only UK housebuilder of any size or type to achieve this rating every year it has taken part in the survey.

For more information about Retirement Living in Failsworth, please call 0800 882 1089 or visit McCarthy Stone.


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