Housing development for the elderly is ‘topped out’

A new development providing housing and care services for older people in Ashford has had its topping out ceremony.

Representatives from the provider Housing & Care 21, Ashford Borough Council, Kent County Council and builders Pentland Homes joined together to lay tiles on the roof at the housing scheme named Chamberlain Manor.

The extra care scheme – being constructed on a triangle of land between the Drovers Roundabout and the Ashford International Hotel, off Simone Weil Avenue – will promote independent living for local older people.

There will be 67 one or twobedroom apartments available with affordable options to rent or buy. A 24-hour care and support service will be on site and offered according to individual need.

The development includes a hair salon, restaurant and lounge for use by both residents and the wider community. Residents can also enjoy private facilities such as a communal lounge, guest rooms for family and friends and landscaped gardens.

Stuart Moran, property development manager at Housing & Care 21, said: “Chamberlain Manor will be a delightful scheme and it’s nice to see how quickly the development is coming along.

“We are working closely with the council to build excellent facilities, benefiting not just the residents but people from the local area. The scheme will promote community integration by enabling people to socialise with their neighbours and the wider community easily.”

Cllr Aline Hicks, borough coun- cil portfolio holder for housing, said: “We fully back the ethos behind Chamberlain Manor. Ashford as a whole is planning ahead for the future, and preparing for the possible needs of an ageing population is definitely part of that.

“We want to assist independent and supported living, both of which are key principles behind this scheme. It is great to see the project progressing and we look forward to its completion.”

The apartments will be available to rent or buy in March 2015.

For details contact Housing & Care 21 on 0345 608 4021 email sales@housing21.co.uk or call Ashford Borough Council on 01233 330688, email housingservices@ ashford.gov.uk

The topping out ceremony at Chamberlain Manor in Ashford