A development which heralds a new era in housing and care for older people achieved national recognition this week when it was shortlisted in not one, but two categories of the 2007 Affordable Home Ownership Awards.
Mere View is a purpose-built extra care development, comprising of 32 one and two-bedroomed apartments in the village of Haughley near Stowmarket in Suffolk. The scheme is specifically for people aged 55 and over and all apartments are owned on a shared ownership basis by the occupiers. This means that people are able to purchase either a 50% or 75% share of their home and that, after selling their previous home, they can live mortgage free and/or release equity for a more comfortable retirement.
Extra care housing aims to enhance and maintain the independence of residents by providing a range of specially designed facilities and with care and support services available on site 24 hours a day. Services are tailored to meet the needs of each individual and are provided in a professional but friendly manner.
Built in partnership with Housing 21, the Housing Corporation, Mid-Suffolk District Council and Suffolk County Council, Mere View has been shortlisted in the categories of Best Large Development and Best Designed Scheme.
The scheme was designed so that it fitted well with its surroundings, with a design that is sympathetic to its very rural location, making it truly part of the village and sitting comfortably with the surrounding properties and traditional materials were used in its construction.
Mere View was thoughtfully designed using techniques that assist people to navigate the building easily and safely with the clever use of colour to aid orientation. There are also features to minimize environmental impact such as under-floor heating and high levels of insulation and gardens which provide year-around interest and sensory experience. Mere View has been built as a sustainable development, offering flexibility for the future, should the needs of residents change.
As well as enjoying purpose-built accommodation, residents have the use of an on-site hairdressing salon and a café and these facilities are open to the general public and are well used by the residents of our adjacent sheltered development. We’re delighted that the local community are also coming into the scheme to take advantage of the facilities.
The Affordable Home Ownership Awards are the first independent event to showcase this excellent development. The aim of such awards is to raise awareness of the achievements of the sector in providing affordable homes, not just to first time buyers on a low to moderate income, but also in specialist markets.
Editor’s notes
1. The awards ceremony will take place at the Riverbank Park Plaza in London on 7th September.
2. Further information on the Affordable Home Ownership Awards can be found at http://www.housingawards.co.uk/
3. Information on current extra care properties for sale can be found on the Housing 21 website www.housing21.co.uk. Full information packs on each development can be obtained by calling 0845 6084021 or emailing sales@housing21.co.uk
4. For further information please contact Kathryn Collinson at Housing 21 on 0207 241 0027.
