Going wild for new name

Published by awalsh for Sanctuary Housing Association in Housing

Paignton Zoo animals have gone wild for the new name being given to a nearby multi-million pound housing development.

To help mark the zoo’s 90^th birthday next year, leading housing and care provider Sanctuary Group will be naming its new Extra Care scheme Whitley Court, after the charity’s founder Herbert Whitley.

The 123 state-of-the-art homes in Hayes Road have been specially designed for Torbay’s older residents and are being built on land which, it is believed, was once home to Herbert Whitley’s private horticultural collection of exotic plants back in the 1920s.

Mike Santon, Sanctuary’s head of development for the South West, said: “This is an important development for the area which will provide much-needed accommodation for Torbay’s older residents so we wanted to find a name which was fitting for this part of Paignton and the strong connection with the Zoo.

“When we discovered that the Zoo would be celebrating its 90^th birthday next year, Whitley Court seemed like the perfect choice.”

Paignton Zoo spokesperson Phil Knowling said: “Herbert Whitley opened Paignton Zoo in 1923, laying the foundations for what has become an important education, scientific and conservation charity dedicated to protecting our global wildlife heritage. He is remembered fondly by many local people and this tribute will bring his name to a wider audience.”

The new homes, which will be managed by Sanctuary Care, will include communal facilities and will be available for rent through Devon Home Choice as well as on a shared ownership basis. It will also have a dedicated on-site care team with 24-hour emergency response.   

The project, which is expected to be completed in early autumn 2013, has been funded by Sanctuary, Torbay Council and the Government’s Homes and Communities Agency.