Council press release:
From: “Reading Borough Council” <webmaster@reading.gov.uk>
Date: 24 Oct 2014 16:33
Subject: Developer to be Chosen for Caversham Extra Care Housing
To: <Racheleden.whitley@gmail.com>
Cc:
Developer to be Chosen for Caversham Extra Care Housing
24/10/2014
Reading Borough Council Press Release
PLANS to build new housing for older people in Caversham are set to reach a major landmark with the selection of a developer to help Reading Borough Council deliver the scheme.
On Monday November 3rd, the Council’s Policy Committee will be asked to authorise the selection of A2 Dominion Housing Group Ltd as partners to develop a sustainable, high-quality extra care housing scheme – including activities for older people in the local community – on the site of the former Arthur Clarke Residential Home and Albert Road Day Care Centre. It follows a competitive tendering process launched earlier this year.
Extra care housing offers purpose-built individual homes for older people who want to live independent and active lives, with increased support and care available as their needs change. Care and support for residents can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, either on site or by call.
The development will provide approximately 40 one-bed units, with communal facilities. A minimum number of 16 units are earmarked for social rent. There is the option to increase this number depending on the capital funding available.
Importantly, day activities for older people in the local area will also be made available on the site. A2 Dominion will work with the wider community to get it involved in the activities at the scheme and to use the facilities available such as the hair salon. That means it will benefit older people living in the local area, as well as extra care residents.
Lead Member for Adult Social Care, Cllr Rachel Eden said:
“The selection of a partner to help the Council build this extra care housing facility is a key stage in ensuring this site continues to benefit older people in the area. The Council’s priority is to deliver a high quality housing scheme that will be an investment for many years to come.
“Developing Extra Care will help older people to live independently in their own community but with additional support if and when they need it. I am also excited by A2 Dominion’s proposals to bring the local community into the scheme for events and activities.”
Lead Member for Housing, Cllr Richard Davies said:
“It is important that the new Caversham scheme offers benefits to all older people North of the River which is why the Council will support A2 Dominion's proposals to engage with the local community.”
The Council will contract additional specialist providers to deliver home care services, community services and catering on site.
The detailed design of the scheme and the proposed tenure mix will be subject to a pre-planning application consultation. Subject to gaining planning permission, it is expected that builders will be on site next year to start work on the scheme.
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
For the full Policy Report go to: http://www.reading.gov.uk/meetings/details/3697 (ITEM 9)
Reading Borough Council Press Releases can be found online at http://www.reading.gov.uk/news/pressreleases/
Media Contact: Anna Fowler
Tel: 0118 937 3957
|
Follow us |
|
|
|
