Councillors view new housing scheme

Published by 792 for Housing 21 in Housing and also in Communities, Local Government

Council members got to preview a show flat last week at Farmers Court in Rugby. The five councillors from Warwickshire County Council and Rugby Borough Council had the opportunity to look around Housing 21’s new extra care scheme for older people, ahead of its opening in the spring.

The £5.8 million complex, which has been built by Barteak Developments, will provide 45 affordable rented apartments for people over the age of 55. The development has received funding of £3.1 million from the Homes & Communities Agency.

The councillors previewing the scheme include Cllr Izzi Seccombe of Warwickshire County Council, along with Cllr Claire Watson, Cllr Peter Butlin, Cllr Heather Timms and Cllr Leigh Hunt from Rugby Borough Council.

Julia Godwin, development programme manager for Housing 21 said: “This is an exciting development for older people, allowing independent living alongside 24 hour on-site care for those that need it. Extra care housing really offers the best of both worlds and is an increasingly popular choice for those needing some help with support or personal care.”

Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Portfolio Holder for Adult, Health and Community Services at Warwickshire County Council, added: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Housing 21 and Rugby Borough Council to offer older people in Rugby more choice and control about how and where they live in later life. Our aim is to see innovative schemes like Farmers Court right across the county to meet the preferred choices and aspirations of older people in Warwickshire.”

On-site facilities at Farmers Court include a communal lounge, restaurant, hairdressing salon, buggy store, well-equipped laundry and assisted bathing facilities. 

Cllr Leigh Hunt, Rugby Borough Council’s portfolio holder for sustainable inclusive communities, said: “Rugby Borough Council is pleased to have been involved in the scheme from the outset, providing the land and support needed to get the whole Cattle Market site redevelopment off the ground.

“And with a more independent, older population this sort of facility will become an increasingly important option for many people in the borough.”

Paul Spooner, executive director for the HCA Midlands, said: "We are delighted that our investment has enabled Rugby Council, Warwickshire County Council and Housing 21 to deliver this important extra care development.  The scheme is a key part of the continuing development of Rugby town centre."

Farmers Court has been built on the site of the former Rugby Cattle Market and is due to be completed at the end of March.