Beechwood Grove Caversham – Independent Living Scheme On Track
Beechwood Grove
Reading Council and A2Dominion’s new independent living scheme in Caversham is a step closer to finishing this month, with the roofing and building structure completed. The scheme of 43 apartments will provide independent living for over 55s, with communal amenities and grounds, and the option to receive bespoke care and support packages.
The external work is being finalised on the homes at 1 Albert Road, Caversham, offering residents a combination of as much independence as possible but with care and support on site as needed, as an alternative option to a care home placement. In total, 16 of the 43 apartments will be for social rent and the remaining 27 apartments available for sale as leaseholds. The scheme is due to complete in late 2018. The new social rented homes are part of the Council’s new council homes building programme.
A2Dominion
Beechwood Grove, as it will be known, is being constructed in partnership with residential property group A2Dominion and contractors Feltham Construction, on the site of the former Arthur Clark Residential Home and Albert Road Day Care Centre in Caversham. Demolition work began in February 2017 and work on the building has progressed well.
Residents of Beechwood Grove will have the opportunity to become part of a real community. There are several communal spaces, all thoughtfully designed to allow for a wide range of activities and occasions for residents and the community. Staff would be on hand to help residents set up clubs and activities including:
· Access to a bistro style restaurant;
· Hair salon and therapy room;
· Bridge;
· Yoga and pilates;
· Painting;
· Coffee mornings;
· Wellbeing services;
· Music workshops.
Outside in the landscaped grounds, there will be an option of activities including short lawn bowls, feeding the chickens, pottering in the greenhouse, tending to the vegetable patch and exploring a woodland trail.
Adult Social Care
Reading’s Lead Member for Adult Social Care, Cllr Tony Jones, said: “I am really looking forward to visiting Beechwood Grove once it is finished. It will offer people the best of both worlds – living in the local community, with help and support on site and at the touch of a button, 24 hours a day, and seven days a week, as an alternative option to a care home placement. The way we grow older is changing. Every survey tells us people want to continue to live independently for as long as possible. When open, Beechwood Grove will offer purpose-built individual homes for older people who want to continue to live fulfilling and active lives but with increased support and care on hand when they need it.”
Housing
Reading’s Lead Member for Housing, Cllr John Ennis, said: “I’m pleased to hear Beechwood Grove is progressing and will complete by the end of the year. As a Council, we were determined to ensure that day activities on offer here would be made available for all older people living in the local community in Caversham, not just extra care residents at Beechwood Grove. I am also delighted that the Council has secured 16 of the 43 homes for social rent. There is a desperate shortage of properly affordable rental homes in Reading as everyone knows. Every one of those 16 homes will make a big difference to the people that occupy them.”
Comments
Pam Vasir, A2Dominion’s Director of Supported Housing, said: “We are excited that work to transform this site on Albert Road is nearing completion to create this new high-quality mixed-tenure scheme for Reading.
“A2Dominion’s specialist Care & Support team has a strong track record of working successfully with local authorities to deliver excellent services to meet the needs of older people and we look forward to the opening of Beechwood Grove.”
