Work on a new £15.1m extra care development in Stockbridge Village has completed with tenants now enjoying their new homes.
Jackson Gardens is a brand new 90-home development made up of 64 one and two-bedroom apartments and 26 bungalows, with landscaped gardens, on site bistro and communal facilities including lounges, an on-site laundry, spa and treatment room for tenants to use and enjoy.
The apartments are for those who need extra-care and the scheme provides 24-hour support to enable tenants to live safely but independently.
The bungalows are available for extra-care tenants with lower care needs too. Seven of these homes have also been made available for younger people with lifelong disabilities requiring on-going support.
ForHousing is working with Knowsley Council, who are allocating the homes to tenants following a care needs assessment. You can find out more on the Council’s website about how to apply for extra care homes and register on Property Pool Plus.
Kathleen Collier aged 74 who moved into one of the bungalows said: “I love my new home it’s bright and clean, I’m made up with it. My garden is fabulous too”.
Another new tenant, 77-year-old George Notley said: “Living here gives me a lot of peace of mind, there’s a lot of people you can go to. I’m looking forward to settling in, getting on my veranda and getting on the bowling green. I can’t wait for the summer, it’s going to be fantastic.”
Barbara Murphy had concerns about her Dad’s future until he recently moved into Jackson Gardens which she says is a beautiful development. Barbara said: “The staff are an absolute credit and nothing seems to be too much trouble. I know my dad’s life will be enhanced by living here.”
The development is part of a wider plan to bring new affordable homes to Stockbridge Village, improving lives and creating new possibilities in the area.
Nigel Sedman, Group Director of Homes at ForHousing said: “Jackson Gardens is a vibrant, welcoming development which provides tenants with a safe place to live and access to the support and care they need.
“The scheme has been designed using the principles of intentional communities, integrating the facility within the wider community.
“We’re committed to improving lives and wellbeing by providing quality, affordable homes for people in places where they’re proud to live.
“Our ongoing work in Stockbridge Village is contributing to that and we’re very proud of the new Jackson Gardens development.”
Cllr Louise Harbour, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, added: “I’m delighted that Jackson Gardens is now open, offering greater choice for residents who want to live independently, but with help and support available if needed.
“We know that there is demand for extra care facilities across our Borough and it’s great news that we are able to provide this accommodation to meet people’s needs.”
Following consultation with tenants and their families, ForHousing has also submitted plans to build seven modern bungalows to replace the existing outdated supported housing scheme at Roughsedge House which is next to Jackson Gardens.
These homes will be for tenants aged over 55 and will complement those already in the local community.
Earlier this year, ForHousing completed work on the first new affordable homes to be built in the area for more than a decade with a 16-home development on the former site of the Barley Mow pub.
A further 24 new homes for Affordable Rent are currently under construction on the former site of St Jude’s Church and are due for completion in Summer 2021, with a second phase to follow on, on adjacent land.
