Older Generation Turns On To World Wide Web 

‘Silver surfers’ will be in their element in a new extra care social housing venture taking shape in the East Midlands.

Broadband access will be available in every apartment at the new Welland Court sheltered housing development, rising from the rubble of the old buildings in the St Ann’s district of Nottingham, and due for completion next year.

And if the appeal of the worldwide web begins to fade, residents can seek human company elsewhere on the village style campus – perhaps with a coffee in the on-site café, simply relaxing in the communal gardens, or even a visit to the hairdressers.

The development also includes activity and meeting rooms, and an assisted bathing suite. 

“One of the most important features of developments like Welland Court is that they bring peace of mind to the residents,” said LHA-ASRA Group Director of Support Services, Patrick Taylor who is leading the project.

“People move into schemes like this because they feel safe and supported, with the added bonus that they have many of the facilities they need close to hand.” 

The new development will create a community of 71 over 55s – replacing the former low-rise development which had accommodation for just 34. Some of the communal facilities, such as a modern day centre, will also be thrown open to elderly non-residents

The ‘extra care’ concept provides for self-contained homes with design features and support services that enable older people to enjoy active and independent lives.  

Welland House is being developed by Leicester-based LHA-ASRA with main contractor Keir Partnership Homes. Funding is being provided by LHA-ASRA, the Department of Health, the Homes and Communities Agency, and Nottingham City Council, which will also be relocating some residents from another sheltered housing scheme.

The development is being constructed to Level 3 of the government’s Code for Sustainable Homes, with features such as green roofs, and a harvesting system to collect and recycle rainwater for toilets and gardening. 

Mr Taylor said: “The new Welland Court will replace both the old one, and the former city council home at Fareham Court which was demolished some time ago.

“This kind of extra care development has become more and more popular in the past five to 10 years, because by offering people the right support package and facilities you allow them to remain independent - and in their own homes - for much longer than would otherwise be the case. 

“Not only will these affordable homes offer individually tailored housing support, but the development will help regenerate the area.”

He added: “We are currently constructing another similar development on the site of the old Wolsey building in Leicester, which was demolished last year. We are creating 103 apartments, 63 of which will be extra care, with the remaining 40 for general use.”