Devon & Cornwall Housing (DCH) is today welcoming new tenants into its first extra care scheme at Devonport Views, based in Devonport, which is now open and proving popular.
The £5.8million scheme for older people or people with disabilities provides 42 self-contained flats, with a mix of one or two bedrooms for rent so that residents can keep their independence. The flats all have their own open plan kitchen/dining/living area so residents can cook for themselves if they wish or they can eat in the communal dining room with meals cooked for them. All have wheelchair access and bathrooms with wet-rooms suitable for frail residents and wheelchairs.
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DCH developed the scheme in partnership with Plymouth City Council, Devonport Regeneration Community Partnership and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). It’s the first scheme of this nature that DCH has developed so it’s a momentous day to see residents move in after 4 years of planning.
Margaret Jenkins, 75, moved into Devonport Views this week from a three-storey house in the local area which was too difficult for her to live in on her own with mobility problems.
She said: “My family suggested I moved into this scheme as I was getting lonely since my husband died being in the house all by myself. It could be quite depressing not seeing anyone from one day to the next. Now I’m here I’m excited about all the social activities they will run and the potential to make new friends. My one bedroom flat is wonderful as it’s all on one level so it’s easier for me to get around. I’m very independent and this scheme allows me to still do my own washing, shopping, housework etc. It’s so lovely I can stay in Devonport which is my home town. I’m looking forward to my future here”.
John Kempton,84, has a gorgeous sea view and said that he thought his flat was stunning. He’s looking forward to sitting out on his balcony in the summer and organising a poker night when the rest of the residents move in.
Shelia and Eric Walmsley, both 73, have been married for 53 years. Shelia had a stroke 2 years ago which has meant she lost her speech and is in a wheelchair. They decided to move into the scheme as Eric is now Shelia’s full-time carer and it gives them peace of mind to know there is help on hand if they need it 24 hours a day.
Richard Connolly, Devon & Cornwall Housing’s Group Director of Investment said “This fantastic project not only provides a significant landmark for Vision @ Devonport at the gateway to the regeneration scheme but will hopefully provide a wonderful living experience for the residents. This extra care scheme has been challenging to deliver over the past few years due to the urgent demand for extra care provision in Plymouth whilst being able to meet the value for money requirements of such a project.
“The scheme offers residents the opportunity to live in a wonderful environment with many communal facilities on offer, whilst being able to retain ones independence in their own self contained apartment.”
The HCA invested £4.3m in the scheme, which is the latest in a series of improvements that is being made to transform the Devonport area.
HCA area manager Trevor Ives added: “It’s great to see the impact that schemes such as this are making on the area, which is being transformed thanks to the work of partners. I hope that Margaret, John, Shelia and Eric will be very happy living in this fantastic new scheme that Devon & Cornwall Housing has delivered.
“But this success story is just one part in the transformation of Devonport. We have invested in the Vision @ Devonport development, to enable work on a new phase of 88 homes to begin, transform the market hall, and deliver other improvements. The delivery of new housing in Ker Street, with 68 new homes expected to be delivered soon, will help raise the profile of the area. The work of all the partners has made a real difference here, and I am delighted to be part of the work to regenerate Devonport.”
The extra care scheme aims to give older people a comfortable place to live with lots of luxuries such as: activity room, hairdressers, treatment room, electric buggy store, outdoor courtyard, roof terrace, communal lounge, laundry services, assisted bathroom and rooms available for their guests to stay. Residents can also receive additional support and care packages e.g. help with cleaning, shopping or regular physiotherapy.
Councillor Grant Monahan, Cabinet Member for Adult Health and Social Care said: "This extra care scheme is exactly the sort of high quality supported accommodation we want to see in Plymouth. I'm very impressed by the development. It is spacious and modern and offers independent living and choice for older people with varying needs."
Leader of Plymouth City Council, Councillor Vivien Pengelly said: "I am delighted to have seen for myself that this new accommodation has been built and finished to such a high standard. The flats and facilities in the building are fantastic and I hope all the new residents will thoroughly enjoy living there."
If you want more information about moving into the scheme please contact Devon Home Choice on 01752 305496.
