Hazelmere, a brand new concept in housing development, was officially launched in Winsford by Mick Howarth and Sheila Connolly from Cheshire County Council on Friday 18th April 2008. In total, 106 new apartments designed specifically for people over the age of 60 will be built on the site, which is scheduled for completion in June 2009.
The purpose-built ‘Extra Care’ development will include self-contained apartments, a hair salon, library, computer suite, village hall, restaurant and 24 hour on-call staff for extra support. The facilities will be for all residents and the wider community in Winsford to use and enjoy.
Extra Care housing provides additional support to people living in their own homes, the level of which can be adapted as their needs change. This flexible approach enables the right level of care to be offered to individuals, giving residents the opportunity to remain independent for longer.
Commenting on the Hazelmere development chairman of Avantage, Ian Perry, said: “Our number one objective is to help people over the age of 60 remain independent and maintain a high quality of living while providing security and privacy.
“Hazelmere will have a combination of properties to rent or buy, with a third option of shared ownership also available. It will offer a range of social activities for residents, whilst also providing a central point to access services. The Winsford development will be finished in just over a year’s time and we are looking forward to showing potential residents the finished apartments.”
Hazelmere is one of five Extra Care developments across Cheshire. Avantage was selected by Cheshire County Council to design, build and operate the Extra Care apartments in Handforth, Ellesmere Port, Middlewich, Winsford and Crew.
Sheelagh Connolly, county manager for Older People’s Services at Cheshire County Council, said: “These schemes will revolutionise the way in which we support people over the age of 60 in Cheshire. Each development will provide not only a home but one in a real community environment where people will have access to a broad range of amenities and care and support services that will help to maintain their independence in the manner of their choice.”
Avantage is now keen to receive enquiries from people who may be interested in these Extra Care apartments. For more information, whether as a resident or a volunteer, please call Avantage on LoCall 0845 618 5008 or email mychoice@avantage.org.uk.