18/10/2011 - Goldfield Court Celebrates with Topping Out Ceremony

Thomas Vale Construction Celebrate with Sandwell Council Leader Darren Cooper and Housing 21 as the last roof tile is laid on the £12.5million extra care facility at a topping ceremony in West Bromwich.

The event marks a major stage in the construction of the 93 apartment scheme which will provide people over the age of 55 with the option to rent or buy through shared ownership.

Councillor Cooper said: "This is the council delivering on its promise to bring significant changes in the way elderly people are looked after in the borough. This will be the third extra care centre opened in Sandwell and each have state-of-the-art facilities which is helping to bring housing care for the elderly into the 21st century."

Julia Godwin, development programme manager for Housing 21 added: “Goldfield Court will provide spacious apartments and independent living for older people. It is really exciting to see this lovely development taking shape and I’m sure it will be a great asset to the people of Greets Green.”

Other partners in the project include the Homes and Communities Agency, who helped with funding of £5 million. The scheme’s on-site facilities will be accessible to the local community, including a restaurant and hair and beauty salon. Residents will benefit from features such as assisted bathrooms, telecare and a door entry system with intercom to every apartment.

Ian Cox, development & partnership director at Thomas Vale Construction added: "We have made great efforts to secure local sub-contractors and trainees to ensure that the wider benefits are spread across the borough."

Each apartment at Goldfield Court is designed for wheelchair access and will have its own sitting room, fully fitted kitchen, walk-in shower and non-slip flooring to the kitchen and bathroom. An on-site team will provide care and support, tailored to meet individual needs.

Goldfield Court is due to complete in 2012 and is the second Housing 21 extra care housing scheme to be provided in Sandwell. The first, Queensridge Court in Oldbury welcomed its first residents in November, 2010.