Merton housing scheme for older people shortlisted for prestigious design award

Published by Maike Riedel for Circle in Housing and also in Communities

A new housing scheme for older people from Merton Priory Homes, part of Circle Group, has been shortlisted for the prestigious National Housing Design awards. The Oaks regeneration scheme, which is currently being built in Eastway, Morden, will provide 51 contemporary homes for current and future generations of older people.

With the regeneration of The Oaks site, Merton Priory Homes is honouring its promise to some of the most vulnerable residents in the borough, by developing brand new housing schemes for older people. The development is being built on the site of the old sheltered housing scheme which dates back to the 1980’s and was in desperate need of modernisation.

Designed by PRP Architects, the Oaks is being built to meet the needs of older and vulnerable people. The regeneration is based around the design principles of a report issued in 2009 by the Housing our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation (the HAPPI report) and all future residents will benefit from natural light, spacious and wheelchair friendly rooms, modern facilities, a terrace or balcony per home and large communal indoor and outdoor spaces.

The development will consist of 26 one-bedroom and 25 two-bedroom affordable flats.

Pauline Ford, managing director of Merton Priory homes, said: “We want to enhance the life chances of local residents by providing great homes and The Oaks will offer older and vulnerable people contemporary homes in the heart of the community. We are very excited that the scheme has been shortlisted for this award, which is a great recognition. The Oaks regeneration would not be possible without the support from Merton Council.”

Merton Council cabinet member for community and culture Councillor Martin Whelton said: “Never has the need for quality housing been so great as it is now, so the shortlisting of The Oaks for the award comes at a good time. We worked closely with our housing partner Merton Priory Homes, on this innovative sheltered housing project. The self contained contemporary apartments demonstrate our commitment to quality housing for all ages and have been designed to reflect the greater aspirations of older people in the borough who demand more than the traditional retirement flat.”

The decision to redevelop The Oaks was taken by the MPH Board following a comprehensive 12-week consultation with residents and local stakeholders. The views expressed by residents helped Merton Priory Homes to shape the design for The Oaks.

Merton Priory Homes is currently regenerating three sheltered housing schemes in Merton. The Oaks, Dolliffe Close and Gresham House are scheduled to complete in late 2013.

Winners of the national Design awards will be announced in June.