Hanover Housing Association, one of the UK’s leading national providers of housing and services for older people, begins work on a new age-exclusive development in Bath that will bring a range of homes combining classic style with the latest secure technology.
The new-build, situated in Ensleigh North, will see 72 one- and two-bedroomed homes developed by Hanover in partnership with Bath and North East Somerset Council (BANES) for local people who are over the age of 55. The fully accessible, two-storey development, is being constructed by the leading regeneration specialist Galliford Try and is expected to be completed in Summer 2019.
Announcing that the new housing complex would be known as Pemberley Place — after the fictional country estate owned by the infamous Mr Darcy of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice — Hanover’s Chairman Dr Stuart Burgess said he hoped that the development would positively reflect the hopes and desires we all have for our later lives.
Construction on the site will bring an added dimension to the former MOD location off Lansdown Road. The area will benefit from new amenities including a much needed shop, and a new 210 capacity primary school. Pemberley Place sees 29 of the spacious apartments offered for affordable rent. The remaining properties will be available as shared ownership, a rare and welcome addition to the market. Thoughtfully designed around an attractive landscaped quadrangle, it will also offer flexibility to adjust to the changing needs of residents.
To mark the unveiling of the Pemberley Place name, school children from the neighbouring Abbot Alphege Academy created artwork for the site hoardings depicting their visual interpretation of older people. Dr Burgess thanked all the children and staff at the school for putting forward some colourful and heartwarming representations.
Hanover has worked with BANES through the planning phase and with architects Pollard Thomas Edwards on the design of the houses. They will be in accordance with local environmental and HAPPI (Housing Our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation) Report recommendations.
Dr Burgess said: ‘Pemberley Place is a significant change from more traditional forms of retirement housing in the region. It sets new standards for age-exclusive apartments that provide modern, comfortable living without compromising on space.
‘Bath is a highly desirable place to live. We hope that this development will offer those living locally the opportunity to benefit from high quality, secure and well maintained properties. The design includes an inviting communal hub to help encourage the wider local community to visit and help make best use of the facilities and services available.’
Cllr Tim Warren, Leader of BANES Council added: ‘The delivery of a range of different affordable housing options for our older residents is important to the Council. Hanover have taken the opportunity secured through the development of the former MOD site at Ensleigh North, and are using it to deliver a modern take on extra care provision and the first older persons shared ownership opportunities we have seen in the District.
‘The use of funding from Homes England and Bath & North East Somerset is something I am pleased to have supported. I am looking forward to seeing how this development progresses, both in terms of the building but also in terms of the partnership working between Hanover and the Council, the local community, health services and social care providers.’
Jon Young, Regional Director, Galliford Try said: ‘It’s brilliant to officially unveil Pemberley Place. We are delighted to be working in partnership with Hanover and the Council, combining our skills to deliver a fantastic scheme of apartments for older people.’
With bus routes to the nearby UNESCO listed World Heritage City of Bath, Pemberley Place provides easy access to shopping and socialising, while benefiting from beautiful countryside on the doorstep.
