Local MP checks in on refurbishment project

Published by Gareth Holmes for Sanctuary Housing Association in Housing and also in Communities

Worcester MP Robin Walker visited a city-centre retirement scheme to check on progress of a multi-million pound refurbishment project by leading housing and care provider Sanctuary Group.

Mr Walker toured Warmstry Court, including a newly completed show flat, and saw first hand how Sanctuary’s improvement programme is transforming the scheme.

He was joined by residents, including Beryl Kendall, 93, who has lived at Warmstry Court since it opened in 1984, and learned how residents played a key role in choosing the interior décor of their new apartments and communal areas.

The refurbishment of Warmstry Court is part of a wider £3 million investment by Sanctuary which includes the modernisation of Noele Court, another retirement scheme in the city.

The improvement works, which are only weeks from completion, include a revamped residents’ lounge with feature length window offering panoramic views of the River Severn, modernised apartments incorporating new kitchens and bathrooms, and attractive landscaped gardens and decking.

Resident Beryl Kendall said: “It was lovely to meet Robin and we were only too happy to show him the changes taking place. I’ve lived at Warmstry for 28 years and I’m very happy here. I just can’t wait to see the finished results in a few weeks time. “

Mr Walker commented: “I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Warmstry Court, particularly getting the chance to meet the residents who benefit so much from the affordable accommodation and support services on offer from Sanctuary.

“It is so important to encourage redevelopments such as this and wider affordable home building, particularly in Worcester where we still have a shortage of affordable accommodation. But thanks to government policies such as the New Homes Bonus and the Affordable Homes Programme, we are heading in the right direction.”

Set for completion later this year, the regeneration project will see Warmstry and Noele Court, both owned by Sanctuary, transformed into flagship retirement homes for local people.