Official launch for multi-million pound key worker housing scheme in Surrey

An out-of-date Surrey housing block, which has been transformed through a £11 million project, has been officially launched.

People turned out for the opening of Canada House in Redhill, where the first of more than 200 modern rooms are now available for rent for key worker healthcare staff.

Tours of the new accommodation were given to local key workers and members of the community who were invited to the launch on Thursday October 29. Refreshments were also available.

The project to revamp the 1980s housing block has involved the building of 100 new accommodation units, which are now ready for new residents. The refurbishment of 120 existing units at the Canada Drive site is still under way, with completion expected in autumn next year.

Housing association A2Dominion, which funded the scheme, has worked with Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust and contractors United House Limited. Representatives of all three organisations were present on the launch day to meet prospective new residents.

Pat Hollingsworth, A2Dominion’s Regional Operations Director, said: “We are delighted to have launched this brand new key worker scheme in Redhill.

“The new units that have been built provide high-quality modern accommodation for key workers. We are hopeful that this improved accommodation will help to support the recruitment and retention of healthcare staff.”

Mary Sexton, Director of Nursing at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “We welcome the new homes for our nurses, student doctors and support staff. In these tough economic times, we need more homes like these to help keep vital services like East Surrey Hospital running.

“The Trust has close to 3,000 staff and is a major employer in the area. The new homes will help retain our skilled staff at East Surrey Hospital and also recruit new staff. In recent years, we have invested significantly improving services and the hospital’s environment, which has benefited patients, visitors and staff. This improvement is another positive change.”

The scheme, split across 12 blocks of flats, will produce 10 per cent renewable energy through solar panels that will be installed on the roofs of some of the blocks of flats.

The launch event coincided with A2Dominion’s first ever Residents’ Week, running from October 26-31, packed full with free community events, activities and training for residents.

A2Dominion, which manages more than 33,000 homes across London and southern England, used Residents’ Week to reach out to more of its residents, encouraging them to get involved in a range of ways.

For more information, visit A2Dominion’s website www.a2dominion.co.uk.