Show flat holds the key to new retirement housing

The door opened this week on a show flat in the soon to be completed Waltham House extra care development in Wirksworth, Derbyshire.

Located in the heart of the pretty market town, this exciting new Housing 21 development will provide 39 one and two bed apartments for older people in a mix of tenures, including rent, shared ownership and outright sale.

The grade II listed original building has been carefully restored to provide five of the apartments; the remainder being developed in a new building to the rear, formed around a central courtyard. The first flats will be ready for occupation from Late June.

Juliette Daniel, Development Programme Manager for Housing 21 said: “The aim of extra care is to promote independence, providing residents with their own home in a communal setting with the reassurance of care and support being available on site 24 hours a day.”

“The scheme includes a restaurant, communal lounge, conservatory, laundry and buggy store. The apartments are built to a high standard and feature emergency call facilities via pull cord and pendant, security door entry system and level access shower room”

Waltham House has been developed in partnership with Derbyshire County Council, Derbyshire Dales District Council and the Wirksworth Care Centre Project.

Chair of Derbyshire Dales District Council, councillor Irene Ratcliffe, said: “I am delighted to see that this project is nearing completion. This much-needed scheme is a valuable resource for the people of Wirksworth.”