Erskine Court, a new ‘housing with care’ complex in Lordshill for those over 55 years old, is hosting its grand opening event for tenants and community residents on Wednesday 7th December.
Owned and managed by Southampton City Council, the complex provides:
- 54 fully self-contained flats, 37 of which will be two-bedroom flats and 17 one-bedroom flats.
- Communal facilities — including an onsite restaurant and several lounges — where residents from the complex and the wider community can meet and enjoy events and activities.
- For tenants, the privacy and independence of their own flat with the reassurance of on-site support and 24-hour care.
The scheme is also desirable for older couples wishing to stay together where either, or both, of them have care needs.
Mrs Kathleen Hann, one of the new Erskine Court residents, was a council housing tenant for many years, until the passing of her husband this year. Her three children live far away, so downsizing to Erskine Court made sense at this stage in her life. She had a hip replacement two years ago and, while she remains quite mobile and independent, admits that at her age she may sometimes need the support of the scheme’s care staff.
Kathleen said: “Being in a community has always been important to me, even more so now since my husband has passed away. Fortunately, I’ve lived in Lordshill for many years and have many friends in the neighbourhood. I was talking to my former neighbour just the other day, from outside on my balcony, about what a lovely place I’m now living in!”
Cllr Warwick Payne, cabinet member for housing and adult care, said: “The opening of Erskine Court represents a new era for affordable, supported housing in Southampton. More schemes are proposed, including a larger one at the site of the former Woodside Lodge in Maybush. My thanks to the designers, contractors and housing staff who worked so hard to make this scheme a reality.
“I’m delighted to welcome tenants to this beautiful new scheme in Lordshill and encourage those who are considering downsizing to apply for supported housing through the council.”
The Erskine Court scheme — the latest in our offer of housing with care complexes in the city — cost £9.8m and was funded by a mixture of Southampton City Council Housing Revenue Account (HRA) cash and a grant from the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA). First Wessex served as the council’s development agent for Erskine Court, while Drew Smith was the contractor for the redevelopment and Ken Scaddan Associates was its architect.
