North West construction and development firm Southdale have recently completed an impressive contemporary new block of apartments for older people in Higher Blackley, Manchester.
Residents are about to start moving into the 40 two-bedroom apartments known as The Byrons, which has vibrant décor designed by artists, a sculpture garden, a hair salon and wellbeing room, computer zone and round-the-clock care.
The development which was constructed for Great Places Housing Group and designed by architects Pozzoni, received £2.9m investment from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and is one of the first in the area to meet latest Extra Care standards that combine the privacy and independence of a self-contained apartment with the social opportunities of communal areas and peace of mind of 24-hour staffing.
Homes are designed for residents aged over 55 to receive as much care as they need without having to move.
Higher Blackley has one of Manchester’s largest populations of older people so it was an ideal location for The Byrons, named after the poet Lord Byron whose family were landowners in the area.
Southdale have built the development to Code for Sustainable Homes level 3 and the property comes complete solar panels, an air source heat pump system that distributes warm air around the building, plus communal hot water and under floor heating.
Apartments have sophisticated intercoms that allow staff and residents to converse and the development has a secure entry system.
Art and health specialists Open Art handled the interior design of the scheme, choosing energising colours and patterns for communal areas and calming shades for apartments.
They also commissioned bespoke art for walls and sculptures for the garden.
Paul Moore, managing director of Southdale said: “We are delighted to work in partnership with Great Places by delivering this much needed extra care scheme for people in North Manchester. New residents will benefit from state-of-the-art care facilities in a safe and secure environment.”
Stephen Porter, chief executive at non-profit-making Great Places Housing Group, said: “These apartments are really special. We are delighted to be able to offer such a fabulous place to people who need care or support.”
Deborah McLaughlin, executive director North West at the HCA, said: “The Byrons is an inspirational development, providing high quality homes with an excellent range of invaluable services close at hand.”
Councillor Glynn Evans, Manchester City Council's executive member for adult services, said: "These new apartments will provide a real bonus to Manchester's older residents, and the City Council will be providing 24 hour care support to those who need it, enabling them to live dignified, independent lives."
Damian Utton, partner at Pozzoni, who are recognised as leading architects for designing for older people, said: “The partnership between all stakeholders has successfully delivered affordable quality housing for older people at The Byrons. The aims and aspirations of extra care have been achieved through a contemporary and cost-effective design.”
For information about living at The Byrons contact Isobel Quinn on 0161 484 3212 or email isobel.quinn@greatplaces.org.uk
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