A brand new four-storey £11 million development at Berrington Court Extra Care Scheme in Kidderminster was officially opened on Tuesday 6th December 2022.

The additional 65 one and two-bedroom apartments that make up the second and final phase of Berrington Court is owned and managed by Community Housing, the largest registered provider of social housing in Wyre Forest, who received over £3.2 million of funding for this development from Homes England.

Both phases of the scheme for people aged over 55 were built by regeneration and energy expert EQUANS, with each apartment having been carefully designed to suit the needs of older and vulnerable residents, including spacious bathrooms for ease of mobility and 24/7 monitored telecare equipment.

To mark the official opening, a ribbon was cut by Berrington residents Sue Houghton, Martin Houghton and Pat Baker, alongside Matt Cooney, Chief Executive of Community Housing and Ann Bennett, Chair of Community Housing. Celebrations continued after the ribbon cutting with a guided tour of the new building, followed by some festive entertainment and refreshments.

Matt Cooney, Chief Executive of Community Housing, said “Berrington Court Extra Care Scheme is a popular development bringing quality, affordable, independent living to the Wyre Forest. We are certain that this new addition will be warmly received by residents looking to enjoy modern apartment living, while being part of a happy, thriving community”.

Berrington Court, located on the Silverwoods development in Kidderminster, initially opened with 100 one and two-bedroom apartments in 2015. The state-of-the-art facility boasts a restaurant, cinema area, hair & beauty salon and café bar. All residents, old and new, can enjoy those amenities, as well as the brand-new games room and kitchen terrace at the new development, less than 30 yards away.

Bhupinder Gosal, Senior Manager - SME Provider Management, Homes England, said: “We’re thrilled to have allocated over £3 million of funding to Community Housing to complete this wonderful extra care facility. With an ageing population that wants to remain independent, while having a friendly community close-by, extra care schemes like Berrington Court are an excellent example of enabling older and vulnerable people to live happy, independent lives”.

Lee Stoneystreet, Regional Director at EQUANS, said: “Berrington Court is one of the largest independent living schemes in the Wyre Forest area, and we are delighted to have completed the second phase of this development to such a high standard, offering local residents the chance to live in a first-class facility”.