WIREDGOV

Thatcham, in West Berkshire, is set to benefit from new affordable homes providing extra care to the elderly thanks to a £3m grant from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

The national housing and regeneration agency has agreed to support the development of Waring Court, Bluecoats, Thatcham. The new homes will be built and managed by specialist care providers Housing 21 and were designed by Hunters architects.

David Ashworth, Head of area at the HCA, said: 'Today’s announcement demonstrates the HCA’s commitment to providing new and affordable homes for communities across the south east.

'In Thatcham, we hope we can continue to support our partners and the community in creating affordable and sustainable places that people want to live in.'

The project is forecast to provide a total of 51 new homes – with 39 available for social rent and 12 New Build HomeBuy properties – providing affordable homes with the extra care required for elderly residents. It will meet high environmental and sustainability standards by achieving BREEAM Excellent.

Siobhan Moore, Head of programme delivery from Housing 21, said: 'The grant from the HCA will allow older people to live independently in a purpose-built scheme with support on hand should they need it. Developments such as this are also a real asset for the local community who can access the on-site facilities, such as the hairdressing salon and restaurant.'

Joe Mooney, West Berkshire Executive Councillor for Community Care said: 'Waring Court is an important part of our plans to change the way care for the elderly is delivered in West Berkshire. This approach will ensure our older residents have the support they need to live independently, secure in the knowledge that help is on hand if required. I am very pleased that the Homes and Community Agency has helped support us in this project.'

Construction will begin in March 2010 with the work expected to be complete in October 2011.

This is part of a larger strategy by West Berkshire to provide different types of accommodation for senior persons which gives them a choice of home.

For more media information contact Tim Abbott in the HCA press office, 0118 902 8441 or 07920 835598 or tim.abbott@hca.gsx.gov.uk

Notes to editors:

The Homes and Communities Agency is the single, national housing and regeneration agency for England. The HCA’s role is to create opportunity for people to live in high quality, sustainable places. They provide funding for affordable housing, bring land back into productive use and improve quality of life by raising standards for the physical and social environment.

Hunters provides architectural and building consultancy services around the UK. They are at the forefront of sustainable housing design and continuously deliver award winning schemes.