Milestone reached in extra care housing development

Construction of an extension to local charity Brunelcare’s extra care housing scheme in Bishopsworth has reached an important milestone.

Representatives of the charity attended a ‘topping out’ ceremony at their Waverley Gardens site to celebrate the completion of the roof.

Due for completion in early 2020, the project will see an additional 62 one- and two-bedroom apartments added to the site’s existing 66 properties specifically for older people.

At the event was existing tenant 91-year-old Norman ‘Nobby’ Tooze. Who better help get the roof completed than Nobby, himself a retired roofer. Nobby commented: “I’ve been living at Waverley Gardens for six months, and I really enjoy it here. Seeing the new roof being finished took me back to my days on building sites. We used to carry up to 10 tiles at a time, up a ladder, balanced on our heads!”

Brunelcare’s extra care housing is designed to help older people maintain their independence. With a care team on site and a range of shared facilities, including a restaurant, hair salon, therapy room, communal lounge and computer room, tenants live in their own flat with their own front door, but with the peace of mind that they can access extra services should they need additional support.

Brunelcare’s chair of trustees, Deborah Evans, commented “It’s fantastic to see the Waverley Gardens extension progressing so well. Brunelcare exists to help older people make the most of their lives, and these new apartments will do just that. The development will also create new jobs in the local community.”

Sam Carter, Contracts Manager at E G Carter & Co Ltd said “We were both delighted and excited to have been selected to deliver the new 62 bed extension to Waverley Gardens extra care home. Our appointment has enabled E G Carter to continue with our long-standing working relationship with Brunelcare. Enabling works commenced in June 2018, then the main works commenced in October 2018. With the structure of the building now complete, internal works have now commenced.”

The scheme, which will also feature several shared ownership apartments, is on track for completion in February 2020.

For more information, visit: brunelcare.org.uk