Celebration for new retirement housing project

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

Residents at Saxon Court in Birmingham were presented with a plaque to commemorate the official opening of the extra care scheme for older people. The celebration this week also included Councillor John Lines, Cabinet Member for Housing at Birmingham City Council, and representatives of Housing 21, Birmingham City Council, the Homes and Communities Agency and Willmott Dixon.

Saxon Court has 87 apartments and eight bungalows, each providing two bedrooms. The development provides residents with the option to rent or to purchase either outright or on a shared ownership basis. Older people with a range of needs benefit through the provision of a 24 hour on-site care and support team. The scheme also provides communal facilities including a hairdressing salon and restaurant which are accessible to others living nearby.

Receiving the plaque on behalf of residents was Ruth Edwards who said: “I’m so happy and settled here. It’s so good to feel that I belong and that I can relax and not have to worry about anything. Everyone is happy and there’s great harmony here.”

Saxon Court was built in partnership with Birmingham City Council, who donated the land to facilitate the development, and the Homes and Communities Agency in the West Midlands who provided £5.1 million of investment.

Cllr John Lines, Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “I’m delighted that I am, once again, in the position to be able to announce good news about creating new homes for older people. The properties we build serve people across the board, with some developments specifically for older people who have contributed to society for many years and therefore deserve to live comfortably in later life.

"This is one of several projects we have carried out with Housing 21 and the Homes and Communities Agency.  We have a strong successful partnership which works well and has reaped housing rewards for the residents in Birmingham.”

Residents benefit from the security of a door entry system with intercom to every apartment as well as emergency pull cords in every room. The scheme has a guest room that can be used for residents’ family and friends, assisted bathrooms and landscaped gardens.

David O’Neill, head of strategy delivery for Housing 21 said: “Saxon Court is a delightful scheme that combines high quality accommodation along with care and support in a bustling communal setting. Extra care is transforming the lives of older people who want to remain independent.”

David Rhead, area manager for the HCA Midlands said; “We are pleased to have supported Birmingham City Council and Housing 21 to deliver this fantastic scheme, offering the elderly community access to independent living through high quality affordable homes.” 

The £11 million complex is Housing 21’s second extra care scheme to open in the city. Another,Westhall Court in Sheldon Heath, opened in December 2010.