New development of cottages for elderly people opens (From Gazette Series)

New development of cottages for elderly people opens in Yate

9:30am Wednesday 29th February 2012 in News By Alexandra Womack

A NEW development of cottages specifically designed for elderly people has opened in Yate.

The 10 homes have been built next to Cambrian Green Court, a state-of-the-art care home which opened on Wellington Road a year ago, in a joint project between Housing 21 and South Gloucestershire Council.

The cottages are the second phase of the scheme which aimed to bring 21st century care to the elderly in Yate and offer people aged over 55 the chance to live independently whilst benefiting from on-site carers and nursing staff, a restaurant and hairdressers and regular activities.

Cllr Matthew Riddle, the council’s executive member for community care and housing, said: "South Gloucestershire Council is committed to investing in the very latest facilities so we can provide the best possible care for our older residents, and the completion of these cottages reaffirms this."

Julia Godwin, development programme manager for Housing 21, said: "We’re delighted with the new cottages at Cambrian Green Court and the work that Leadbitter have done. The completion of this second phase of development complements the apartments well."

The cottages were constructed by the Leadbitter Group, which whilst on site has sponsored new kit for Yate United FC, made a donation to St Mary’s Nursery and allowed firefighters to do a rescue practice from the tower crane.

Cambrian Green Court opened its doors in January 2011 with 60 apartments and a resource centre. At the end of 2011, it was heavily criticised by relatives of residents who were concerned at staffing levels and the high turnover of staff. A new manager was appointed and Housing 21 held several emergency meetings with South Gloucestershire Council.

The scheme has cost £8.5million, part of which was funded by a £3.9million grant from the Homes and Communities Agency.