From: “Reading Borough Council” <webmaster@reading.gov.uk>
Date: 27 Oct 2015 10:47
Subject: Works Starts on Whitley Rise Supported Living Scheme
To: <Racheleden.whitley@gmail.com>
Cc:
Works Starts on Whitley Rise Supported Living Scheme
27/10/2015
Reading Borough Council Press Release
WORK has started on the Whitley Rise Supported Living Scheme, a Reading Borough Council housing development.
The development is next to Cedar Court, the Council’s extra care housing scheme which opened on the former Avenue School site along the Basingstoke Road in 2014.
The scheme will provide 10 much needed supported living flats which will be owned and managed by the Council. It will offer supported living for people with learning disabilities, with care and support provided on site and so offers a real alternative to residential care. The building includes a lift and will be fully wheelchair accessible.
The building has been designed to meet high standards of renewable energy, through the use of under floor heating, biomass boilers and recycling and composting facilities. It will efficiently share its heating and sprinkler system with Cedar Court. The current estimated completion date is June 2016.
The £2 million pound development is jointly funded by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and Reading Borough Council. The Care and Support Specialist Housing Fund (managed by the HCA) which is designed to help older people, or those with disabilities or mental health problems, to live more independently, provided £450,000 towards the build.
Whitley Rise will be a welcome addition to the Council's existing supported living schemes. A further extra care housing scheme for older people at Albert Road, Caversham, is due to start in the New Year.
Rachel Eden, Lead Councillor for Adult Social Care, said:
“I’m delighted that work at Whitley Rise has started. It will give residents with disabilities the opportunity to live more independent, fulfilled lives. It will offer the best of both worlds – privacy and independence combined with support and care.”
Richard Davies, Lead Councillor for Housing, said:
“I'm really pleased that work on this supported living housing scheme has begun. It will increase the quality and choice of accommodation for disabled adults in Reading and offer them greater independence. I am looking forward to seeing residents living at Whitley Rise in 2016.”
Lisa Clayton, Area Manager for the HCA, added:
“It is great news that work is due to start on this important project which will deliver much needed housing for vulnerable adults. We know how important developments such as Whitley Rise are in places like Reading, and that’s why we have supported this development with investment to help make it happen.”
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
There will be a photo-call on Thursday 29th October at 11am on the development site.
Reading Borough Council Press Releases can be found online at http://www.reading.gov.uk/mediareleases/
Media Contact: Victoria Buckett
Tel: 0118 937 3957
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