A groundbreaking ceremony has taken place to celebrate the commencement of work at Housing 21’s sixth Extra Care development in Thurston, Suffolk.
The ceremony was attended by representatives from Housing 21, Thurston Relief In Need Charity, Mid Suffolk District Council, Osbornes, West Waddy Archadia, and Thurston Parish Council, as well as R G Carter, who have been contracted to build the scheme.
The Extra Care scheme, forecast to open in the Spring of 2025, will provide one- and two-bedroom apartments and two- bedroom bungalows for older people with the assurance of on-site care for residents if and when they need it. Residents will have the choice to rent or purchase their property through shared ownership.
A wide range of communal facilities will be available, including a communal lounge, activity room, laundry, gardens, and health suite. Some of these – including a café and hair salon – will also be available for use by the wider local community.
The development, in partnership with landowner Thurston Relief in Need Charity and with grant funding from Homes England, will address the shortage of specialist housing for older people identified in the Thurston Neighbourhood Development Plan.
Peter Smith, construction project manager at Housing 21, said: “We are excited to work with R G Carter to deliver this new Extra Care court in Suffolk and I am confident it will be a flagship development of this type showcasing the very best that Extra Care Living has to offer.”
James Wilson, director and general manager at R G Carter, added: “We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Housing 21 on this much-needed Extra Care housing development in Thurston. We look forward to developing a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable community for its future residents.”
