The Abbeyfield Kent Society, a registered charity and housing association, is pleased to announce the building work for its Extra Care scheme in Ifield Way, Gravesend commenced on Monday, 8th March. The Extra Care scheme will be constructed by contractors Osborne.
The £8.3M Extra Care scheme will provide affordable accommodation, companionship and care to older people from the local community in Gravesend. A £5m grant received from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has made the scheme possible.
Akin Durowoju, Head of Area at the HCA, said: “I am proud that the HCA is able to support The Abbeyfield Kent Society as they begin work on the first Extra Care home in Gravesham. It is vital that we continue to provide opportunities for vulnerable older people to live in affordable and sustainable homes that meet their particular needs, foster self-determination and support a good quality of life.”
The development will consist of 56 spacious apartments, 42 one bedroom and 14 two bedroom units. Apartments will be able to accommodate couples and some will be able to house three people. At full capacity the Extra Care scheme will be able to accommodate and support 126 older people from the local community.
Residents will have access to onsite facilities which will include a restaurant/café, various communal lounges and activity areas, a shop, a gym, a hairdressers, laundry facilities, a guest suite, electric scooter with charging points, IT area, 24/7 support and landscaped gardens.
Extra Care will provide residents with the independence of living in their own apartment with the added benefit of 24/7 care, companionship and support. There will be a domiciliary team onsite who will provide tailored care packages to suit residents’ individual needs and requirements.
Ethical specialists Triodos Bank provided the private funding for the scheme. “We are very pleased to be part of this important and exciting project from The Abbeyfield Kent Society, which will deliver the highest levels of social care for its residents and be constructed to stringent environmental standards,” says Paul Nicoll, Triodos Bank’s South East Regional Manager.
Leon Steer, The Abbeyfield Kent Society’s Chief Executive comments: “The residents’ wellbeing and happiness are our main priority so I’m delighted that the apartments will be affordable but also provide a safe and secure environment for residents.
Companionship and support is very important in all of our homes and I’m pleased that the Extra Care scheme will help combat problems like loneliness, isolation and boredom which many older people experience.
The communal facilities will provide opportunities for residents to meet new friends, socialise and get involved in activities. We will also work very hard to ensure that the scheme is integrated and actively involved with the local community. This is a momentous day for the Society and we’re grateful for the support we’ve received from the different parties involved and the TSA (Tenants Services Authority) and look forward to being able to strengthen our relationship with Gravesham Borough Council and Kent County Council to meet the demand for care.”
The Abbeyfield Kent Society will be working closely with Gravesham Borough Council and Kent County Council who have welcomed the development.
Cllr Anthony Pritchard, Cabinet member for housing, said: “Extra Care is a concept we completely endorse and it is very good news that this development is under way.”
Kent County Council cabinet member for Kent Adult Social Services, Graham Gibbens, said: “Getting housing right can make a big difference to quality of life. I am very pleased to see work going ahead with this scheme as it will provide a chance for people to live independently with a steady foundation. Extra Care housing is an ideal way of bringing together independence and choice with quality care while allowing people to keep control of their own lives.”
Osborne will construct the Extra Care scheme. Peter Head, Managing Director of Osborne’s Homes Sector said: “We are delighted to have been selected to build this important community project and look forward to working with everyone involved.”
The Abbeyfield Kent Society has been working with Cluttons LLP to ensure that the building is sustainable. The Extra Care scheme is aiming to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating. BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method) is the most widely used environmental assessment method for buildings around the world. Features of the Extra Care scheme will include:
• solar hot water and combined heat and power which will result in a 10% reduction in the building’s CO2 emissions
• green water recycling to flush all WCs and operate communal laundries
• energy efficient white goods
• adequate bicycle storage to encourage residents and visitors to cycle
• each apartment will be provided with recycling and composting facilities
The Abbeyfield Kent Society anticipates that the Extra Care scheme will be completed by July 2011.