Eric Wright Construction, part of the Eric Wright Group, has completed a multi-million pound project to build two extra care schemes in Stoke-on-Trent.
Totalling 250 one and two-bedroom properties, the retirement developments for people aged 55+ offer spacious accommodation complemented by on-site facilities and convenient transport links.
With 45 two bed and 30 one-bed apartments across three, 3-storey blocks, ‘Willow Barns’ in Blurton boasts a raft of communal facilities, including a lounge, hobby and craft room, village hall, library, beauty salon, launderette and fitness suite.
‘Oak Priory’ in Abbey Hulton has 126 two bed and 49 one-bed apartments and the same facilities as ‘Willow Barns’, plus a sun terrace, orangery, a ‘Reminiscence Room’ – which has been created to look like the interior of an old-style train, and guest bedrooms.
The schemes are part of a c£100m project by Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Sapphire – a consortium of construction, housing, facilities management, property development and architect professionals that will build, finance and operate the retirement villages through a 25-year partnership.
This also includes the 140-property ‘Westcliffe’ complex in Chell – being built by Seddon Construction – which is due for completion mid-2017. All three have been developed through a Private Finance Initiative (PFI).
John Wilson, managing director at Eric Wright Construction, says: “There is huge demand for retirement housing in Stoke and these developments will ensure that people can enjoy their later years in modern, purpose-built accommodation.
“As a Preston-headquartered business and a member of the Considerate Constructors Scheme, we are committed to supporting the communities in which we operate. Throughout the build programme we have employed people from surrounding neighbourhoods, sourced materials from local suppliers, recruited a number of apprentices and donated materials to a nearby school to support a Wildlife Trust project.
“As a nation we’re not getting any younger and our experience in both commercial and residential construction has enabled us to deliver quality schemes that will provide comfortable homes for people who want to make the most of their retirement.”
With 79 per cent of properties taken or reserved, the developments are expected to be fully occupied before the end of 2017.
Sarah Houghton-Grimshaw, older people’s services manager at YHG, says: “Oak Priory has been received very well by the local community and has become a hub for the area, with so many fantastic facilities on offer to both residents, their families and the local community of Abbey Hulton to enjoy. The employment opportunities that have been provided by the partners on site have been embraced by the local workforce and have made a significant positive impact on many families.”
Morton Corbitt, director from Kajima, says: “The partners of Sapphire Extra Care Limited , Kajima Partnerships Ltd, Your Housing Group and Eric Wright PLC, are proud to have worked with the City Council to successfully deliver the Oak Priory Retirement Living Facility. Oak Priory contains 175 apartments, and is the second of the three facilities to be finished though a PFI Retirement Living Project.”
Councillor Ann James, Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s cabinet member for health and social care, concludes: “The opening of Willow Barns and Oak Priory means we are continuing to provide independent living in a supportive environment so that people can maintain, or regain, their independence.
“The facilities at these fantastic developments are second to none, and I’m sure the residents will be very happy in their new homes.
“But not only that, all the communal facilities are open for the general public to enjoy, which has made the development a real community hub within the local area.”
