Ceremony as work begins on extra care housing scheme in Kingswood

A turf-cutting ceremony is being held today to mark the start of work on a new extra care housing scheme in Kingswood.

Fiveways, as it is currently known, in New Cheltenham Road, will provide 40 one- and two-bedroom flats to rent.

Extra care housing allows people to live as independently as possible, in an affordable home of their own. Residents have their own front door, can live with their partner or friends, and have enough room to allow family and friends to stay too – while knowing support is on hand if they need it.

There will be a range of communal facilities as well as 24-hour on-site care and support. A Wellbeing Centre being built next to the extra care housing development will provide services for older people and people with learning difficulties.

There will be also be an on-site restaurant to provide meals for service users and residents.

The Fiveways scheme, being built by South Gloucestershire Council in partnership with Housing 21, is due to be completed by autumn 2011. The contractor is Leadbitter.

Work is also continuing on an extra care scheme in Yate in partnership with Housing 21, while at Downend, a scheme is being developed by Hanover Housing. They will contribute to the council’s overall aim of 700 extra care housing units in South Gloucestershire.

For more information and how to apply for an extra care housing place call 01454 865599.