A new extra care housing scheme for over 55′s is to be built in Reading, thanks to £3.1million of Government funding.
Reading Borough Council is using the funding to build a 40-unit extra care housing facility on the former Avenue School site on Basingstoke Road. This will be the first council owned and managed housing development to be built for a number of years.
The development will consist of 27 one-bedroom flats and 13 two-bedroom flats for rent. Work will begin on the scheme in May, with expected completion in November 2011.
Reading is one of only ten councils in the South East, and 73 in the country, to receive a share of £122.6million from Communities and Local Government, which is to be invested in building new Council homes.
Extra Care Housing is a new form of housing where residents can live independently in their own home with care and support facilities available on the site. It meets a range of needs and can provide an alternative to residential care for some older people.
The brand new Reading accommodation will include communal areas with a restaurant, hobby rooms and a spa treatment area providing podiatry, hairdressing and other therapeutic services.
These facilities and a range of activities will be available to Reading residents and older people living in the community.
There will also be private areas for residents only, including lounges, a roof terrace and a garden at the southern end of the scheme, where keen gardeners can practice their skills.
Consultation with older Reading people including residents in sheltered housing and day centre clients has influenced the design of the scheme. Their suggestions included a BBQ area and raised flower/vegetable beds in the garden.
Future consultation will take place to allow choices to be made on colour options, furniture and fittings.
All of the flats will be self-contained with their own kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, lounge and dining area.
The Reading building will be wheelchair accessible and all residents will have access to on-site 24-hour care staff, but not everyone will need this service.
The site is close to local amenities and accessible by public transport, making it easy for residents to get out and about.
Mike Orton, Lead Councillor for Community Care, said: "I’m delighted that Reading is getting more than £3million in funding. Care for the elderly is a top priority and this scheme will allow people to settle in and live independently in their own home.
"Extra care housing provides people with their own home and the reassurance that 24-hour care is available. This new scheme on the former Avenue School site will give a big boost to housing and care for people over 55 in Reading."
Deborah Edwards, Lead Councillor for Reading Housing, said: "It’s very exciting that Reading Borough Council has been given such a large share of this Government funding to build much needed homes."
The contract for construction is currently out to tender. The successful contractor will be appointed in the next few weeks.
The councils whose bids for funding were successful were required to match any funding they received.
Reading Borough Council
