The project has come from a partnership between Surrey County Council and Places for People are is set to cost around £23million.
The development, of which the building work has just commenced, will be comprised of 59 one- and two-bedroom apartments for people receiving social care support from the council. What’s more, each property is set to be available at affordable rents and a number of communal facilities – including a café and gardens – are also due to be included.
Funded by Places for People, with help from a £4.6million Homes England grant, the development will be situated on a site in Westborough and is being created with an aim to give elderly people more independence and reduce reliance on residential care.
The scheme, which is otherwise known as ‘Meadowcroft Lodge’, is the first in a series of affordable extra care housing developments that the council is planning for Surrey – 725 apartments are due to be provided at scheme across the country by 2030.
As it stands, seven sites have outline planning permission and these are located in Worcester Park, Camberley, Ottershaw, Banstead, Redhill, Egham and Lingfield.
‘It’s a pleasure to mark the beginning of this fantastic new development which will enable people to live independently in a home of their own while accessing the care and support they need,’ Sinead Mooney, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care at Surrey County Council said. ‘Meadowcroft Lodge will provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment where residents can thrive and remain part of the community.’
To give context on how needed this new development is, the latest figures show 22% of Surrey residents are estimated to be over 65 by 2030. Likewise, the number of over 65s is forecast to increase by over 10% in that time.
Rachel Crownshaw, Group Managing Director for Communities at Places for People, added: ‘We are thrilled to be involved in this project which will be a huge asset to Surrey. Tackling the housing crisis means delivering the right homes for everyone so we all have a place to call our own.
‘As part of that, it’s vital that our older generations are supported and empowered to live independently, affordable and happily for as long as possible and that is exactly what we are providing through Meadowcroft Lodge alongside all partners.’
Image from Places for People
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