The Community Housing Group demonstrated their commitment to providing quality, affordable homes to local people this week as they celebrated the completion of 12 new homes at Wolverley and the ceremonial “ground breaking” for 112 extra care apartments on the former British Sugar site, Silverwoods.
Key partners, funders and tenant representatives joined Group Chief Executive, Ray Brookes and Group Chair, Jenny Evans on the site of the extra care development which is being built by Keepmoat.
“We are very pleased to see work start on this exciting new scheme which not only brings modern, well equipped homes to support independent living but also contains a specially designed multi-use communal space” said Jenny Evans. “We felt this was an important element of the design as it can host a wide range of activities such as social events, fitness classes, hair and beauty treatments, community meetings and access to services from community health care providers”.
The £13.8m development is anticipated to be fully completed by September 2016 and was made possible through funding from the Homes and Communities Agency, Wyre Forest District Council, Worcestershire County Council and The Community Housing Group.
Kate Bailey, Wyre Forest District Council’s Strategic Housing Services Manager said: “We are looking to work with Registered Provider partners to provide up to 250 units of Extra Care housing over the next few years as we have a high need for this type of accommodation and it will have a really positive impact on residents lives when it open in 2016”.
Martin Smithurst, Regional Director at Keepmoat agreed: “Extra Care is an increasingly popular choice for people who wish to remain independent in their own home with the reassurance that care and support services are available on site”.
The official opening of the new homes at Attwood Close gave funders and development partners an opportunity to view the new homes and meet some of the residents.
The scheme, which includes ten 2 and 3 bedroom houses and two bungalows, was built by Jessup Brothers Construction and funded through grants from the Homes and Community Agency, Wyre Forest District Council and The Community Housing Group.
“They have been ring-fenced for the people of Cookley and Wolverley so they are homes for local people” said Parish Councillor, Charley Sherrey “This helps to keep the village together and creates a real sense of community”.
One of the first residents, Stephanie Ashdown was delighted with her new home “it’s so big and modern, really ideal for families, especially the kitchen. I love it”.
The homes have been built with energy efficiency in mind so that the new residents can enjoy lower heating costs. They are also “life time” homes which mean that they can be easily adaptable if the occupier’s medical or mobility needs change, avoiding the need to move.
Clive Jessup, Managing Director of Jessup, Build Develop commented “We are delighted to continue our working relationship with The Community Housing Group on this second phase, delivering much needed affordable homes with the support from the HCA and our local supply chain”.
