Citizen’s new retirement living scheme in Coventry has officially opened. Swift Court, which provides 30 retirement living flats for the over 55s, replaces Citizen’s older accommodation at Eric Inott House.
The new accommodation — which is named after the locally made, early 20th Century Swift car — is all electric and has photovoltaic panels on the roof.
Each level of the scheme is also painted with dementia friendly colours. Walls on each floor are painted a different shade so it is easier for those who are living with dementia to remember which floor they are on.
Customers have moved into the retirement living block from a variety of backgrounds — some people have relocated from other retirement living schemes, others have downsized, and some people have moved in from their own home.
Jackie Sanderson downsized from her family home in the same area. She said she moved to gain company. Jackie said: “I love it here because you can mix with people and make friends. When I lived on my own, I did feel lonely sometimes so it’s wonderful living here.
“I downsized from my two-bed home, and it has done me the world of good for my mental health and wellbeing. The previous house was too much for me and I struggled with the stairs as they were difficult for me to climb.
“When I heard about Swift Court, I kept looking at it and asking when it would be finished. I was praying I would get a flat here. It’s great to mix with the lovely people who live here, I feel settled and happy.”
Brenda Old moved into Swift Court after staying in another flat in Radford and said she now has everything she needs. Brenda commented: “This place is lovely, I wanted to move somewhere that was part independent but there was also support there if I needed it.
“I am very happy here. I sit in the lounge most mornings with some of the people who live here and it’s a nice community. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
Linda Mason moved to Swift Court from Citizen’s former retirement living accommodation, Eric Inott House. Linda said: “I adore this place. I love that I have a window that overlooks the park. I sit in my chair, and I watch the world go by.
“When I moved in here, I felt like I had come home and I’m so happy. This is as good as it gets, and I never want to leave.”
Citizen worked with Harper Group to build Swift Court and has also worked with Coventry City Council on a project to help people downsize and free up larger homes for families on the housing list.
Director of Housing Care and Support at Citizen, Peter Gill, said: “We’re thrilled to officially open our Swift Court scheme in Cheylesmore and are pleased to hear how much our residents are enjoying living there and settling in.
“We’ve worked with together with Coventry City Council to help customers move into more suitable accommodation. So far, our customers at Swift court have freed up nine homes, allowing families living in temporary accommodation to move into them.
“We hope that our customers who have moved into Swift Court enjoy their new home.”
Executive Director of Development at Citizen, Nick Byrne, commented: “At Citizen we build homes to meet the needs of our region and we’re pleased to see Swift Court completed and officially open.
“We worked with Harpers to build the scheme which is much greener and more sustainable as there is no gas in the building and the photovoltaic panels will help generate electricity for the building. Swift Court will also provide the perfect blend of independence and community for those who are living there and I hope they love their new home.”
Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities at Coventry City Council, Cllr David Welsh said: “I’m delighted to hear that this scheme not only helps the community enjoy their new lives in Swift Court, but that it is providing crucial support for other families in the city too.
“There are many local families in need of housing and this project will really contribute to meeting the need for housing in the city.
‘The scheme has received such a positive response from Swift Court’s new residents. The scheme has already demonstrated that it has supported older people in becoming more social, which reduces isolation too.
“It really is a fantastic project that supports both families in the city as well as our older population.”
Group Commercial Director for Harpers, Mike Harvey, added: “It’s a real testament to the teams within Citizen and the other stakeholders for all the years of planning and hard work that has gone into the scheme, it just goes to show how collaborative working can obtain such positive outcomes.”
