19/10/10 - Sneak Preview of Queensridge Court Extra Care Housing Scheme

A drop-in event was held today between 1pm and 4pm.

This opportunity has provided people who are interested with the chance to look around the building.

Staff from the Council, Housing 21 and contractors Thomas Vale Construction were on hand to answer questions about extra care housing and Queensridge Court.

Sandwell Council leader Councillor Darren Cooper said: "I have been following the progress of this scheme and I am pleased to see it has been completed to a very high standard. It looks superb, a brilliant scheme and is exactly what residents of Sandwell deserve.

"I look forward to seeing the next scheme at Oak Lane/Dartmouth Street, West Bromwich when it is completed in 2012."

Queensridge Court is the second of four extra care schemes for older people being provided in Sandwell, and the first of three being provided through a partnership between Sandwell Council, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and Housing 21.

Paul Spooner, regional director for the HCA West Midlands, said: "We are delighted that our £6 million investment has enabled Sandwell and Housing 21 to push forward and deliver this much-needed extra care housing in the borough and we are confident local people visiting the scheme will be impressed by its design and quality."

The investment in Queensridge Court is part of a multi-million pound move towards extra care housing in Sandwell to enable independent living for older people.

Julia Godwin, development programme manager for Housing 21, said: "Housing 21 are delighted to be able to offer the opportunity to the wider community to see the completed Queensridge Court prior to residents moving in."

The new scheme will provide 87 self-contained apartments for people over 55 and will consist of rented and shared ownership properties, along with communal facilities including a shop, restaurant, hair and beauty salon.