First scheme gets underway on new homes for older people » Housing » 24dash.com

A £165 million project to improve the lives of older people has taken a major step forward with construction work getting underway at a new apartment scheme.

One of the first people to see the new development taking shape at Mossley in Walsall is Ronald Bishop, who is looking forward to moving in to the first of five extra care schemes under a 30 year public private partnership between Walsall Council and Housing 21 to re-provide homes for older people across Walsall.

The 59 extra care apartments at Mattersley Court, which was named by residents, will give tenants their own home in a communal scheme, along with 24 hour care and support services. The project will also include a day centre, restaurant, hairdressing salon, shop and wellbeing suite, all of which will be available to the local community.

Mr Bishop, aged 80, said: Im really looking forward to moving into Mattersley Court and its good to see it taking shape. This scheme will make a big difference to my life and to the lives of a lot of other older people in and around Mossley.

Deborah Rostant, Operational Manager for Housing 21 said: We are delighted to be working in partnership with Walsall Council on this very exciting development, which will transform housing and care provision for local people.

Mattersley Court is the first of the extra care schemes to get underway. We will also be providing a specialist unit for dementia care as well as refurbishing a residential care home to provide a facility for intermediate care.

Councillor Barbara McCracken, Walsall Council cabinet member for social care, said she was delighted to see the scheme take shape.

She said: This will really help improve the lives of older people across Walsall. It will give them a sense of independence but will also give the security of 24 hour support.

Under the terms of the contract, Housing 21 will provide 285 one and two bedroom apartments and day care facilities for frail older people across Walsall. Many of the new residents will transfer from local residential care homes which are scheduled to close over the next three years. Housing 21s on-site staff will provide care and support, tailored to meet individual needs.

Each apartment is designed for wheelchair access and will have its own living room, fully fitted kitchen, walk-in shower, fitted carpets and non-slip flooring to the kitchen and bathroom. Facilities for residents also include a laundry and assisted bathroom.

Mattersley Court will consist of a mix of one bedroom and two bedroom apartments, 14 of which will be available to purchase on a shared ownership basis. The development, which is being constructed by Inspace, is scheduled to complete in September of next year. The second extra care scheme in the project, Alrewych Court in Aldridge, is due to complete later the same month.