Housing scheme for older people gets underway
The first turf has been turned to mark the start of work on a new housing scheme in Warwick. Development of the former Avon Court care home in All Saints Road will provide a new 42 apartment extra care housing scheme for older people.
To mark the occasion representatives from Housing 21, Warwickshire County Council, Warwick District Council and the project’s contractor Willmott Dixon came together at a special groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday 21 June.
Siobhan Moore, head of programme delivery for Housing 21 said: “This is a special day and we are all excited to see work on this exciting new development getting underway. Extra care housing is an increasingly popular choice for older people and I’m sure this scheme will provide people in Warwick with a valuable community asset.”
The £5 million scheme will provide residents with spacious apartments complete with fully fitted kitchens and walk-in shower rooms. On-site staff will provide 24 hour care and support, tailored to meet individual needs, so that residents can continue to enjoy independent living.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, said: “We are delighted to be involved, both from a social care perspective and as providers of the land, in this fantastic scheme which will give older generations the opportunity to live independently and safely in their own homes in the local community. Above all, this scheme will give older people greater choice and control over how they live in later life.”
Others living locally will also be able to access the on-site communal facilities, which include a restaurant and hair and beauty salon. These facilities, along with the care service, will also create local employment during the lifetime of the project, with Willmott Dixon especially keen that local businesses are used as much as possible as part of it’s ‘local pound’ policy.
Councillor Norman Vincett, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Property Services, Warwick District Council, said “This fantastic new development will assist in meeting the needs of our ageing population in an environment that encourages independence and meets the current and future needs of the tenants”
The new development is the first of six in a partnership with Warwickshire County Council and the district councils in Warwickshire to develop extra care schemes across the county. Three of which are partly funded by the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA).
The development at All Saints Road will provide 21 apartments for rent and 21 for shared ownership.
ENDS
Photograph attached of: Peter Owen, Managing Director of Willmott Dixon Construction; Siobhan Moore, Head of Programme Delivery, Housing 21; Cllr Norman Vincett, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Property Services, Warwick District Council; Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, Warwickshire County Council; and Cllr Martyn Ashford, Ward Member for Warwick North, Warwickshire County Council.
For further media information, please contact Wendy Gornicki, PR & Information Officer, Housing 21 on 0370 192 4338 or email wendy.gornicki@housing21.co.uk
Housing 21’s mission is to promote independence and choice for older people through quality care, health and housing services. It provides around 131,000 hours of care each week and manages 18,700 sheltered and extra care apartments, providing services to more than 31,000 service users.
Keep up to date with Housing 21 at www.facebook.com/housing21.co.uk or via our website www.housing21.co.uk, or follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Housing21news
