Topping out and naming for extra care housing scheme
A ceremony was held yesterday to mark the ‘topping out’ and naming of a new Housing 21 extra care housing scheme for older people in Stockwood, Bristol.
Lord Mayor of Bristol, Cllr Geoffrey Gollop, was joined by representatives of Bristol City Council, the Leadbitter Group and Housing 21 to celebrate the last tile being placed on the roof as well as officially naming the new scheme, which is to be known as Bluebell Gardens.
Due for completion in May, the £8.1 million facility will provide 51 apartments for rent and 10 for shared ownership. The development will also include a restaurant, activity room, hairdressing salon and buggy store.
Simon Bostock, regional services director for Housing 21 said: “We’re delighted with the progress being made at Bluebell Gardens and it’s exciting to see this new facility taking shape. When complete, this development will provide local older people with excellent accommodation and facilities. It will also complement Housing 21’s other sheltered and extra care housing schemes in and around the city.”
Designed to meet the needs of people aged 55 and over, Bluebell Gardens’ one and two bedroom apartments will have fully fitted kitchens and walk-in shower rooms. An on-site team will provide 24 hour care and support, tailored to meet individual needs.
Bristol City Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Care and Health, Cllr Jon Rogers, said: “This is an excellent scheme, offering older people the independence of living in their own modern flat, built with their needs in mind, together with the reassurance of on-site care and support, 24 hours a day. We are proposing a further investment of £5.5 million to create partnership opportunities with private providers to stimulate more new extra care housing schemes. This builds on our successful programme of 600 extra care flats across the city.”
Russell Houghton, Regional Director of Leadbitter’s Western Housing division, said: “Reaching the highest point in construction is a significant milestone, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate it with the Council and Housing 21. Leadbitter brings significant experience in constructing extra care facilities to this scheme, and we look forward to providing high-quality housing and facilities for the older people of Stockwood.”
Extra care housing is an increasingly popular choice because it allows residents to enjoy independent living in their own home but with the added benefit of care and support available if required.
The development at Bluebell Gardens has been helped with an investment of £3.6 million from the Homes and Communities Agency.
To prepare for the opening of the new scheme, Housing 21 would like to hear from local businesses interested in running the hair salon or restaurant. Expressions of interest must be received in writing by 27 February. For more information, contact paula.edwards@housing21.co.uk
Further information on the rented apartments at Bluebell Gardens can be obtained from Bristol City Council Care Direct on 0117 922 2700 or email adult.care@bristol.gov.uk. For shared ownership enquiries, please contact
Housing 21 on 0345 608 4021 or email sales@housing21.co.uk
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For further 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
