Celebration marks opening of new extra care scheme

A celebration was held last week to mark the official opening of an exciting new extra care scheme for older people.

King Edward Court in Herne Bay is one of a number of new housing schemes to be provided under the ‘Better Homes Active Lives’ partnership to deliver a range of housing across Kent for older people, people with learning disabilities and people with mental health conditions. It was one of the first extra care schemes to complete under the £72 million Private Finance Initiative which has seen the successful delivery of 340 apartments on time and within budget.

Roger Gale, Member of Parliament for North Thanet, joined residents, staff and guests from Housing 21, Kent County Council, Canterbury City Council and Denne Construction, part of the Leadbitter Group, at the special event which was held on 5th November. During the opening Roger Gale presented residents with a commemorative plaque and specially named ‘King Edward Court Beauty’ rose bush.

Melinda Phillips, chief executive of Housing 21 said: “King Edward Court is an excellent example of the high quality housing schemes that we are providing through this PFI project. It is pleasing to meet some of the tenants and to hear what a huge difference King Edward Court has made to them. I would like to congratulate all those who have been involved in this remarkable programme to provide high quality housing along with tailored care and support in a safe and comfortable environment.”

Housing 21 has been working in partnership with Kent County Council as part of the “Better Homes Actives Lives” partnership on the two year project to provide seven new extra care schemes for older people in Ashford, Canterbury, Dartford, Dover, Maidstone, Shepway and Thanet; eight blocks of apartments for adults with learning disabilities in Canterbury, Dartford, Dover, Shepway, Swale, Maidstone, Tonbridge and Malling and Thanet; and seven supported living apartments for people with mental health conditions in Thanet.

KCC Cabinet member for Kent Adult Social Services, Graham Gibbens, said: “This project is a great way of making sure that people stay independent and receive quality care. Giving people the chance to stay in their own home and keep control of their own lives is a major priority for me and for Kent County Council. I’m delighted that King Edward Court is providing people with the chance to live the way they want to.”

Residents and the local community can enjoy a number of on-site facilities at King Edward Court, including a restaurant, lounge, bar, shop, hairdressing salon, gymnasium and landscaped gardens.

Canterbury City Council's executive member for housing, Cllr Tony Austin, said: "The opening of the new King Edward Court is very good news. It will provide people with an excellent standard of accommodation and the care support they need. We are delighted to have been involved in what is the first of this type of scheme in Kent."

King Edward Court provides independent living for older people in forty rented one or two-bedroom apartments, with access to 24-hour care provision on-site. Each apartment is equipped with a bathroom with flush-floor shower, a fully fitted kitchen including fridge/freezer, oven and hob, a door-entry system with intercom, emergency pull cords in all rooms, and wheelchair access throughout. Under-floor heating and high levels of insulation offer complete warmth and comfort.

Larissa Laing, Head of Housing from Canterbury City Council added, “The City Council are pleased to be partners in this new extra care scheme. We are pleased that the tenants of the old King Edward Court Scheme have had the opportunity to return to a new scheme with improved facilities and larger flats”

Graham Brown, Managing Director for Denne Construction said “Having the opportunity to play a key role in providing people with new homes that give them the care and support they need is fantastic. The success of this project along with others under the Kent Better Homes Active Lives PFI is testament to the expertise and hard work of the team involved.”