New eco-friendly extra care housing complex opens in Nottingham

Published by Jon Land for 24dash.com in Housing

The Department for Health and the Homes and Communities Agency have provided funding for a state-of-the-art extra care complex in Nottingham.

The social rent apartment complex for the over 55s at Albany House, on St Matthias Road, is one of the most environmentally friendly in the country incorporating whole house heat recovery systems, rainwater harvesting, a bio-diverse green roof. The building is also connected to the district heating system.

The extra care complex caters for residents over the age of 55 and includes 71 one-bedroom apartments, as well as communal facilities including a restaurant, lounge, hairdressers and activity room.

The scheme is being run by Leicester-based social housing group LHA-ASRA, after the land was provided by Nottingham City Council on a 125-year lease.

Michele Walker, programme delivery manager at LHA-ASRA, said: “This new development provides self contained apartments, which allow residents to remain completely independent, yet there is care and support around them when they need it.”

Graham Dobbs, head of Midlands North for the HCA said: "We are really pleased to celebrate the opening of Albany House, it forms an important part of the wider regeneration of the area. The scheme provides homes and independent living for older people in Nottingham and adds value to other local new housing that the HCA is supporting along with other partners."

As part of the complex, LHA-ASRA has built a 60-place day service centre, which replaces a former City Council facility.

Albany House has replaced an unpopular block of 34 apartments for the elderly. Residents were offered apartments in the new complex.

Nottingham-based Allan Joyce Architects designed the properties and the Kier Group carried out the construction.