Kentish Express Ashford & District
Dementia-friendly apartments open
A new £8m dementia-friendly housing scheme has opened its doors in Ashford.
The borough council’s multi-million pound Berry Place development is the latest to be aimed at an ageing population.
Formerly The Poplars provides 31 homes for older people in Beaver Lane, forming part of the ‘Dahlia’ brand.
Dahlia stands for Desirable Affordable Housing Linking Independence (and) Age.
The South Ashford scheme is comprised of 15 one-bedroom and 16 two-bedroom apartments, built to be ‘care ready’ at any point.
This means that residents should not have to move if faced with deteriorating health or increased needs later in life.
Work started on the scheme in February 2020 and was completed a year later.
A council spokesman said Berry Place would “provide exceptional homes for the new tenants.
“The council’s investment in Berry Place and other schemes represents a move away from
traditional sheltered housing provision, giving older residents more choice, flexibility and variety of independent living options.” he added.
“The Dahlia brand sums up this fresh approach to independent living in the 21st century.”
The new build is the second of its kind to open in the borough in the last four months, after East Stour Court also opened its doors in November last year.
The total bill of £7.9m for Berry Place is £800,000 more than East Stour Court, but a total of 2.4% under budget.
Similar to predecessors Farrow
Court and Danemore, the schemes were devised in recognition of a need to make special provision for the needs of an ageing population.
By 2026 it is anticipated that around 40% of the residents within the borough will be aged over 50.
Cllr Paul Clokie, the council’s portfolio holder for housing, said: “We have a strong track record of taking an innovative approach to delivering quality accommodation that meets the needs of our residents. Our approach to the health and housing agenda is leading the way and gives people the chance to live independently, providing many cost, social and health benefits.
“Farrow Court was the first project in our proactive approach to sheltered scheme remodelling and it has set the bar high. Danemore and East Stour Court followed and with the addition of Berry Place we are making real progress in tackling the needs of an ageing population and helping to reduce social isolation.”
Planning consent is awaited on Oakleigh House, the next independent living scheme in the pipeline.