Innovative retirement development completes in Dagenham

Published by Jon Land for Hanover Housing Association in Housing and also in Central Government, Communities, Environment, Local Government

Building work has recently completed on Darcy House, a state of the art development for older people in Jack Jones Way, Dagenham.

Jackson Construction, the contractor for the project, handed over the keys for the development this week. The first residents will soon be able to move in.

The development - managed by Hanover Housing Association, in partnership with The London Borough of Barking & Dagenham and Care UK - comprises 36 flats and 16 bungalows in total, all built to wheelchair standard.  
 
The estate has been specifically designed for over 55s, offering easy access to care and support.

A 24-hour care team will be based on site for those who need it – residents will have individually tailored care and support packages designed for them.

A support team and an Estate Manager will be employed by Hanover to ensure the smooth running of the estate and to assist residents.
 
Some of the many features at Darcy House that residents will benefit from include a residents’ lounge, library with IT suite, multi purpose activity room, laundry room, hair salon, shop and a guest suite. 
 
Sarah Hanson, Head of National ExtraCare Operations for Hanover said: “This development is about helping people to keep their independence for as long as possible and knowing they have somewhere comfortable to live for the longer term.”
 
Councillor Bob Little, Barking and Dagenham Council executive member for adult social services, said: “I am delighted that Darcy House will shortly be open for business.

“This is an excellent project that will not only provide first class care and support services for its residents, but will also enable them to lead independent lives.
 
“Darcy House shows what is now being achieved through successful partnerships between the Council and its private sector partners.”
 
The estate has been developed to a highly sustainable standard and is environmentally friendly with grass roofs, solar panels and wind turbines.
 
Funding for Darcy House was provided by The Housing Corporation, the government agency responsible for delivering new affordable homes and regulating 1,500 housing associations across England.

Its current investment programme of 3.9 billion for 2006-2008 is its biggest ever and is set to provide around 80,000 new affordable homes from housing associations and private developers throughout the country.