30/03/10 - New Extra Care Development Moves Forward

Sandwell Council has been working with local contractor, Thomas Vale Construction, the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA) and Housing 21 to develop the 'extra care housing' scheme at the junction of Queensway and Aldridge Road in Brandhall, Oldbury.

Ian Cox, partnership & development director for Thomas Vale, said: "This is a significant investment into Sandwell. We are committed to ensure the 'trickle down' of business to local supply chain partners."

Council leader Councillor Darren Cooper, cabinet members, councillors and partners inspected progress on the scheme.

Councillor Cooper said: "This is a very exciting development and it was great to see how well it is progressing and how we are delivering on our promise to ensure quality housing for older people in the borough.

"It will allow older people to live independently in a secure environment and enjoy a range of on-site facilities as well as a providing flexible care and support service.

"It will also be a fantastic asset to the wider local community, which will be able to join in with the activities when it opens."

The development was recently named Queensridge Court by students from Brandhall Primary School and is part of the council's multi-million pound programme providing 'extra care housing' in Sandwell to enable more independent living for older people.

HCA has invested £6 million in the Queensridge Court scheme, with £6 million being made up from a mix of a council contributions and funding secured by Housing 21, which is one of the leading Housing Associations providing 'extra care housing' across the country.

Paul Spooner, regional director for the HCA West Midlands, said: "We are delighted that our £6 million investment is enabling Sandwell and Housing 21 to push forward and deliver much-needed affordable extra care housing in the borough."

Queensridge Court will provide 87 new self-contained apartments for the over-55s, including rented and shared ownership properties. There will also be community facilities, including a shop, restaurant and gym.

The new development is being built by Housing 21's constructor partner, Thomas Vale Construction.

Julia Godwin, development project manager for Housing 21, said: "We were delighted that the children of Brandhall Primary School were involved in the naming of Queensridge Court and we are also, through our contracts, providing employment opportunities for the local community.

"I am pleased to see the progress on site and the continued good working partnership to provide this much-needed accommodation for older people in Sandwell."

As part of the Think Local initiative, which aims to benefit the local community and residents of Sandwell, Thomas Vale Construction has recruited eight people as a result of the Queensridge Court scheme as part of a training and recruitment opportunity in the construction industry.