Ribbon cutting to mark opening of extra care show flat
Representatives from Oxfordshire County Council, Cherwell District Council and Housing 21 will cut the ribbon at 11am on Tuesday August 6 at Erdington House to mark the key milestone in the scheme’s development.
The Cassington Road project will provide 50 apartments for rent and shared ownership sale, as well as a restaurant and hairdressing salon in a complex that is designed for independent living.
There will be an additional boost for the local community with the creation of job opportunities when the scheme opens in November. Housing 21 is looking to recruit 15 new members of staff, including care workers, cleaners, a care team leader and senior care workers.
A valuable asset
Sue Green, Locality Manager for Housing 21 said: “We’re delighted to see the development at Erdington House reach this key milestone with the opening of the show flat. Erdington House will not only provide high quality apartments for older people but also local job opportunities, making it a valuable asset for Yarnton.”
Councillor Judith Heathcoat, Oxfordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: "It's clear that many people want to live independently for as long as they can, but in order to do this, people need to have the support and facilities to be in place.
"Extra care housing schemes like Erdington House mean that people can continue to live independently in their own homes and yet have access to nearby help and extra assistance should they need it.
"The county council is working with its extra care housing partners to have more than 900 extra care places across Oxfordshire by 2015. The Erdington House project will contribute significantly towards this goal and I am sure many people will enjoy the facilities that will be on offer there.
Partnership working
The new development is being built in a partnership between Housing 21, Oxfordshire County Council, Cherwell District Council, Willmott Dixon and the Homes and Communities Agency. The development has been partly funded with a grant from the Homes and Communities Agency.
Cherwell District Council’s lead member for planning, Councillor Michael Gibbard, said: “Cherwell District Council has a proven track record of working with partners to provide high quality new housing developments for those in housing need. Erdington House is another example of this and I wish its new residents well when they move in later in the year. My congratulations to all those involved in turning this project into a reality."
Erdington House’s one and two bedroom apartments will have fully fitted kitchens and level access showers. Residents will benefit from a secure door entry system with intercom to every apartment, a court manager service and an emergency call system.