News

03 January 2012

Future Of Older People's Housing Unveiled

Pat Glass MP (front) with some of the Magdalene Court residents and Geraldine Wilcox and Steve Errington (far right) The future of older people’s accommodation has been unveiled in County Durham following a £1.2m renovation project to update a run-down sheltered court.

Magdalene Court in Medomsley, Consett, has been transformed from dated, bed-sit style accommodation, into luxury modern one and two-bedroom apartments.

New communal facilities have been added, including an IT suite, library and sensory gardens, providing the independent living that modern-day tenants over the age of 55 are looking for.

The court, which is owned by Derwentside Homes, was officially unveiled on Thursday (22nd December) by the MP for North West Durham Pat Glass and current tenants.

Among them were Derek and Rosemary Robson, who are both delighted with their new home.

Derek said: “ Magdalene Court looks beautiful - people think of sheltered courts as being quite old fashioned places, but Derwentside Homes is really changing people’s perceptions of older people’s accommodation with schemes like this.”

Rosemary added: “We each have our own space but also have the option to socialise in the communal areas and because we all moved in around the same time there is a great community spirit.”

Magdalene Court first opened in 1974 and originally comprised of 31 bedsits. However, in recent years these were proving difficult to let and were often left empty for long periods of time.

After consulting with customers, Derwentside Homes decided to give the block a complete makeover, transforming it into 19 self-contained apartments, complete with their own kitchens and en-suite bathrooms, during a £1.2m renovation scheme.

During the official opening, Pat Glass MP said: “I visited Magdalene Court about 10 years ago, and while it was a very warm place, it was a bit run down. The transformation is amazing and Derwentside Homes have done a wonderful job.”

Chief Executive Geraldine Wilcox said: “The needs of our tenants are changing and we wanted to reflect those changes in the work we are carrying out to our sheltered courts.

“Newly remodelled schemes such as Magdalene Court are attracting a younger age group and, for many people, these modern new apartments are now the preferred choice over a bungalow.

“The schemes are not just about accommodation – they also provide communal spaces and allow tenants to become actively involved in the communities in which they live.”

With a well documented shortage of social housing available, the new apartments have already been snapped up by tenants, who are looking forward to making the most of the state-of-the-art facilities.

Daisy Farrell was an original Magdalene Court tenant and, having moved back following the renovation, can’t believe the difference.

The 81-year-old said: “I’ve seen such a change, my new flat is twice the size of my old one and I’ve still got a lovely view out of my window so I can see what is going on. I couldn’t ask for anything better.”


RESPECT - ASB Charter for Housing IN Business For Neighbourhoods Tenant Service Authority Homes and Communities Agency
Valid CSS!