Work to extend and update a popular sheltered housing scheme with extra care facilities starts this week.
The project will see 25 one-bedroom apartments and two bungalows added to the existing CYC Glen Lodge site. The project is part of the council’s programme to update accommodation for older people in York, giving them more choice and control over the care and support which is on offer.
The £4.1m extension is supported by a £850,000 grant from the Homes & Community Agency, and will feature ‘dementia ready’ accommodation which will allow people with dementia to live safely and independently in their own homes, alongside communal lounges, a landscaped garden and other facilities.
This work represents the second phase of improvements at Glen Lodge, which earlier this year saw the introduction of an ‘extra care’ 24/7 help and support programme become available to residents, enabling those with higher care and support needs to be able to continue to live there.
Cllr. David Carr, Leader of the City of York Council and Executive Member for Housing and Safer Neighbourhoods said
“This is a quality and innovative build. The homes have been designed following best practice guidelines to help people living with higher care needs. For example, some of the apartments will be open plan to help tenants with dementia find what they need, while communal areas on each floor will encourage people to meet and socialise, and secure courtyards and communal outdoor spaces will be available for each household use.”
The work is being carried out by local firm William Birch and it is hoped that the first tenants will be able to move into their new accommodation next summer.