New extra care scheme gets underway in Derby

An official sod cutting ceremony took place this week to celebrate the start of construction work on a new £4.2 million extra care apartment development for older people in Alvaston, Derby.

Housing 21 are developing the 38 apartment scheme in partnership with Derby City Council and contractors Mansell, on the site of the former Tomlinson Court sheltered scheme.

The rented extra care apartments will support older people with a range of needs, from fairly low-level support to those with a need for a higher level of care, giving tenants their own home in a communal scheme with care and support staff available 24 hrs a day.

Juliette Daniel, development programme manager for Housing 21 said: We are delighted to see that the construction of this exciting new project is now underway. The new extra care scheme will provide older people in Derby with the opportunity to live in a purpose-built, secure environment that will enable them to maintain their independence.

Ian Taylor, Regional Managing Director for Mansell said: Tomlinson Court represents the first construction project to be undertaken here in the East Midlands under Mansells four-year national framework with Housing 21. Importantly, the development will benefit from photo-voltaic (electricity generating) panels which will be installed on the roof, so as well meeting the needs of the community, the complex is also being built with the needs of the environment in mind.

Communal facilities include a lounge, laundry room, hairdressing salon, library room, shop and restaurant. The scheme will provide a focus for the local community and people living around the scheme will be able to come in to share the facilities and access the services.

The development is due for completion in June 2009.