Elkin Court Topping out Ceremony
Elkin Court, a new extra care scheme being built in Partington, Trafford, was officially topped-out on Friday, 28th September.
The ceremony is the traditional manner in which the workers are thanked for their efforts and good luck is bestowed on the rest of the construction and the future residents. Carl Turner, Senior Construction Manager at Housing 21, Terri Farrar, Investment Manager at the Housing Corporation, Mike Cooney, Corporate Director of Community Services and Social Care, and Cllr John Lamb, Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health from Trafford Council, and Ian Woolrich and Stuart Wardle of Cruden Construction, hoisted a sapling to the highest point of Elkin Court in one of the construction industry’s oldest customs.
Developed in partnership between Housing 21, and Trafford Council with a £2.2 million social housing grant from the Housing Corporation, Elkin Court is located on a 1.23 acre site that was formerly occupied by a local authority residential care home. It will provide a total of 40 high quality one and two bedroom apartments for older people. 24-hour care will be provided at the scheme to meet residents’ changing needs over time, offering local older people more housing choice and the chance to remain independent for longer.
Named after a much respected local GP, Elkin Court will also provide a day centre, restaurant, guest room, shop and a hairdressing salon. These facilities will be open to the general public, enhancing links with the local community.
Dianne Darling, new business manager of Housing 21 said: “We are pleased to be working with Trafford Council, Cruden Construction Ltd and the architects Langtry Langton to bring much needed extra care apartments to the Trafford area. Elkin Court will provide high quality accommodation for older people and will promote independence and choice. The facilities provided, which will include a day centre, restaurant and shop, will also be open to the general public, creating a valuable facility not just for the people living here, but also for the local community”.
Trafford Executive Councillor John Lamb said : “Trafford Council is committed to providing the best possible care and support for vulnerable adults and older people locally. This facility when open will provide a further investment in local social services. The facilities and support available will be of the highest standard.
“This topping out ceremony marks a key stage in the building’s progress and sees it moving a step closer to welcoming its first residents.”
Elkin Court is due for completion in early Spring 2008.
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
