Award-winning apartments showcase innovative approach to social housing

Metropolitan Housing Partnership will be showcasing the benefits that inventive approaches to funding can bring to both the residents of a sheltered housing scheme and the local community when it launches its award-winning Lingham Court complex on April 6.

Lingham Court in Stockwell, South London, is an innovative development designed to cross subsidise social housing for older people with homes built for outright sale.

The income from the sale of the 46 modern apartments, situated within easy walking distance of Stockwell tube station, generated a healthy cross-subsidy.

Selling for between £165,000 for a one-bed unit and £220,000 for a two-bed unit, the apartments provided sufficient funding for construction of a complex of 30 purpose-built flats to be let to vulnerable residents at affordable rents.

"This scheme was full of new challenges, both in funding and design", said John Tillyer, Development Manager at MHP.

"For example, its construction incorporated the innovative use of steel framing, with podded units for both kitchens and bathrooms which were manufactured offsite.

"Throughout the development we worked closely with Lambeth Council and our other partners, and are delighted that we succeeded in creating a prize-winning, mixed tenure development."

According to MHP, Lingham Court -  which won a 2005 Housing Design Award - has a well-designed and warm environment, shaped around its older residents' need to maintain their independence, feel safe and enjoy being part of a lively community.

The residents' homes are spacious, with wide doors to facilitate wheelchair access, under-floor heating and fully height-adjustable kitchens that make everyday tasks like making a cup of tea much easier.

Ray Lewis, 74, a Lingham Court resident, said: "It's very plush and the staff take such good care of us. I also like the fact the under-floor heating means I step onto a lovely warm floor when I get out of bed in the morning!"

The sheltered housing scheme, run by MHP's support provider StepForward, has also become a focal point for older people in the local community by offering use of its facilities to Stockwell's retired population.

Mike Kent StepForward Extra Care Support Team Co-ordinator said: "Welcoming community groups into Lingham Court has given the scheme a place at the heart of Stockwell life."