Peterborough extra care gain for older people

Older people in Peterborough are to benefit from a local housing boost when a new extra care housing scheme opens in July thanks to Housing 21- a leading provider of housing and care services for older people - and NHS Peterborough.

Housing 21 has purchased St Edmunds Court, a brand new extra care scheme in Hampton Vale which will provide 51 one and two bedroom apartments for rent and shared ownership. The scheme will enable residents to live independently with their own front door, but in a communal setting with care and support staff available 24 hours a day if needed. The scheme has been jointly funded by Housing 21 with a grant from the Homes and Communities Agency.

Housing 21 is working in partnership with Peterborough City Council and NHS Peterborough on the new development for people aged 55 and over. The new scheme, built by Bovis Homes, is due to complete in July.

As well as enjoying well-equipped apartments built to a high specification, residents will also benefit from communal facilities including a residents’ lounge, restaurant, laundry room, buggy store and private terraced garden. A door entry system with individual intercom and an emergency call system will provide a safe and secure environment.

Eleanor Pyper, development programme manager for Housing 21 said: “I am very pleased that Housing 21 is able to deliver accommodation and facilities to help meet the needs of local older people. I am sure that St Edmunds Court will be a welcome asset to Peterborough.

St Edmunds Court will complement Housing 21’s other retirement housing schemes in Peterborough – Earl Spencer Court and Bishopsfield Court – which was built fifteen year’s ago and was Housing 21’s first purpose-built extra care scheme. The introduction of St. Edmunds Court will increase the choice of extra care following the opening of Peterborough’s flagship schemes at Friary Court and The Pavilions in 2006 and 2007 respectively.

Jessica Slater, head of programmes at NHS Peterborough, said, “It’s great news that another extra care housing scheme is opening in Peterborough. Extra care is a really good option for people who need extra help. It provides the opportunity to be part of a community as well as having your own front door and independence.”