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3rd February 2010
Housing group gives new life to Grantham eye-sore
A DISUSED area of Grantham is to be transformed as part of a £600,000 development of homes for residents with specific support needs.
Muir Group Housing has been given the green light by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) to start work on the safe and accessible homes on a disused garage site in Great Gonerby – a potential hotspot for anti-social behaviour and fly tipping.
Azhar Ahmed, senior development officer at Muir Group Housing, said: “Working closely with Lincolnshire County Council and South Kesteven District Council we have been able to develop a scheme that will significantly change the lives of each and every resident that lives there.
“The development is an extremely exciting project for Muir Group Housing. The scheme will not only transform an unattractive area, but will address the need for more supported and adapted housing.”
The development at Manor Drive will see Muir Group Housing provide four two-bedroom apartments and two one-bedroom apartments for residents with moderate physical disabilities, learning difficulties and sense impairments.
Work has begun on the development, which received £265,000 grant funding from the HCA, and is due to be completed by the end of March.
Ringo Sandhu, investment and regeneration manager for the HCA, added: “We are very pleased to support this development, which will address local need for supported housing and also regenerates a site that has attracted anti-social behaviour.
“The HCA is committed to creating thriving communities that people want to and can afford to live in – and the Great Gonerby project meets this vision.”
The contemporary vision has been designed by Masefields architects and surveyors, with assistance from occupational therapists, to ensure it is fit for purpose.
Plans also include the refurbishment of 53 Manor Drive, which will be turned into two one-bedroom apartments. There will be an annex at the rear that will provide support and care staff with office space and sleeping facilities.
The annex will give staff the opportunity to provide 24-hour on-site support and residents will have instant communication with staff via the ‘call care system’.
All the new homes will be built using the latest design and build quality standards, including high energy efficiency.
There will also be specific features to match residents’ requirements including handrails, wet rooms with shower, adaptable kitchen, scooter shed with electrical charging point and sensory garden.
The development will also meet the Lifetime Homes standard, providing accessible and adaptable accommodation that is easy to live in for as long as possible.
Click here to listen to Muir's Azhar Ahmed, interviewed on BBC Radio Lincolnshire