Innovative specialist housing scheme gets underway

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

Construction of an exciting dementia care and supported living housing development in Wokingham was celebrated last week.

Representatives of the project partners - Housing 21, Wokingham Borough Council, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), Willmott Dixon Housing and Quattro Design Architects - gathered at the site of Beeches Manor to mark the beginning of work on the £3.8 million development.

The event was also an opportunity to celebrate the completion of enabling works to improve the site access, which is shared with Wokingham Bowling Club.

David Williams, head of research and development for Housing 21 said: “We’re delighted to see this exciting development getting underway. It’s important that people with dementia and those with learning disabilities can continue to lead rewarding and independent lives. The use of proven building and assistive technology solutions at Beeches Manor will ensure that this happens.”

Housing 21, which has extensive experience of providing housing for vulnerable people, will provide 18 purpose-built apartments for people with dementia and eight apartments for people with learning disabilities. There will also be staff accommodation on site and two guest rooms for visitors.

Cllr Julian McGhee-Sumner for Wokingham Council said: “This is a great opportunity for vulnerable people to live an independent life in a modern, quality home. Beeches Manor will provide safe accommodation with secure gardens but is also close enough to Wokingham Town Centre so that residents will be able to use all of facilities on offer in the town.”

The Beeches Manor development has received a £1.8M investment from the HCA.

HCA investment and regeneration manager Chris Martin said: “It’s extremely good news that work has started on this important housing scheme in Wokingham.  It is vital that we continue to provide opportunities for vulnerable and older people to live in affordable homes that meet their needs, give them independence and support a good quality of life.”

The Dementia component of the project is modelled on the American ‘Greenhouse’ model of dementia housing and consists of two clusters of nine self contained ground floor one bedroom flats.  Each cluster is arranged around an open plan communal kitchen, dining and lounge area with a hearth at its centre.  Each cluster also has its own private courtyard with access to shared landscaped and woodland garden areas.  Residents will benefit from staff on hand to provide help and support 24 hours a day

Angela Morrison of Quattro Design said: “We’re excited to be at the forefront of dementia design in the UK. The flats offer privacy to residents whilst the clustered layout encourages interaction with neighbours in a supportive place.  New buildings must take account of changing needs and this design is future proof for decades ahead.”

The one bedroom flats for people with learning disabilities will provide residents with separate independent apartments with lift access and both private and communal balconies as well as a communal garden area.  . 

The new development is due to complete in March 2012.