Priory Court, Bassetlaw District Council’s new state of the art Independent Living Centre for the over 60’s is officially open and has welcomed its first residents. Located in Worksop, Priory Court features a total of 52 modern apartments that cater exclusively for the elderly, with the addition of ‘Extra Care’ support, provided by Nottinghamshire County Council, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The new four-storey accommodation has been built by the Woodhead Group on the site of the former Abbey Grove Sheltered Scheme. The building features 38 one-bedroom flats and 14 two-bedroomed flats, as well as a hair salon, a library, resident lounges and an activity room. More information on the project can be found here.
It has been more than two years in the making and the Chairman of Bassetlaw District Council and Nottinghamshire County Council joined residents, staff, partners and fellow councillors to celebrate the official opening of the building – along with a very special guest.
James Forrester, a former resident of Abbey Grove and one of the first residents of Priory Court, helped to cut the ribbon and officially open the building after returning to the site of his former home earlier this year.
“It’s a fantastic place,” said James. “The best bit is the people. Everyone is so lovely and it’s nice to be back with some of the other people who lived at Abbey Grove. When I had to move out, I lived in one of the bungalows across the road, so I’ve seen the place being built from scratch. It’s a wonderful home and I’m very happy here.”
Cllr Steve Scotthorne, Cabinet Member for Housing Bassetlaw District Council said: “We are extremely proud of the outstanding facilities that we are now able to offer our over 60’s residents in Bassetlaw.
“At the start of this project we had a vision to improve people’s lives by creating a brand new state of the art home for residents who need a little extra support. I can confidently say that we have realised that vision.
“This type of accommodation will provide joined up services that will allow elderly residents to live as independently as possible in their own home, with the reassurance that care is onsite for them 24 hours a day if needed. I have no doubts that the future residents of Priory Court will be very happy here.”
The £8.35 million project has been spearheaded by Bassetlaw District Council with funding of £1.224 million provided by Homes England and £2.96 million by Nottinghamshire County Council, who will provide ‘Extra Care’ services for up to 27 future residents. There will also be a total of 10 assessment apartments.
Councillor Tony Harper, Chair of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee, said: “Our extra care apartments offer people the benefit of having their own front door and as much independence as possible, balanced with the peace of mind that a care team is available 24/7 to support them.
“We are also very proud of our assessment apartments, which help people who have been ill and need more intensive support to return to independence in safe, homely environment.”
It was also a proud day for the Construction partner The Woodhead Group who had the opportunity to meet some of the people who now call Priory Court Home, Tom Woodhead, Business Services Director, added:
“Priory Court has been an exciting project to deliver and we were delighted to see the building brought to life thanks to its new residents. This was our first extra care scheme and the first delivered through the EEM Framework, so to deliver something as transformational as this is a credit to everyone involved. The standard and quality of the apartments and wider community facilities here are exceptional. I hope the new residents will be very happy in their new homes.”