Celebrating the topping out of new extra care scheme in Goldthorpe | Berneslai Homes

Article: Celebrating the topping out of new extra care scheme in Goldthorpe

A topping out ceremony to mark the completion of the roof at a new Extra Care Scheme in Goldthorpe, Nr Barnsley took take place on Thursday 1st July at 12pm.   The Worshipful, The Mayor of Barnsley, Councillor Margaret Sheard officially unveiled a weather vane in recognition of the completion of the roof followed by a presentation of a cheque from construction partners to the nearby Highgate Day Care Centre.

Councillor Newman, Barnsley Council Cabinet Spokesperson for Housing said: “Barnsley are looking forward to welcoming new residents in March next year, meanwhile we are delighted to watch the building growing so quickly.  It is a credit to all concerned with the considerable amount of planning, design and delivery works needed for a scheme of this size. I am sure this scheme will be of great benefit to local people." 

Martin Farran, Executive Director of Adult Social Services of Barnsley Council stated: “Barnsley Social Services are delighted to see the build progress made so far at Cherry Tree Court. This is one of the boroughs four Extra Care schemes all providing high quality affordable accommodation with support for people aged 55 and over. Cherry Tree Court will have 60 apartments for rent providing an extra choice that will meet an individual resident’s assessed need."

Steve Close, Group Chief Executive for Chevin Housing said "This new style of providing self contained, high quality accommodation with individual support packages is proving very popular and a look round the Cherry Tree Court development makes it easy to see why.  We are delighted to continue our successful partnership with Barnsley and Berneslai Homes using funding from the Homes and Community Agency and we look forward to welcoming the first residents."

Helen Jaggar, Chief Executive of Berneslai Homes said “Berneslai Homes are very pleased to have worked with the Council and Chevin Housing Association in the development of Cherry Tree Court. This scheme will be Barnsley’s fourth extra care scheme providing much needed quality affordable housing for older residents. I look forward to Barnsley residents asking Berneslai Homes to be considered for this new scheme where they will have both support and independence in their new home."

Paul Moore, Managing Director of Southdale commented,” We are delighted to be the chosen constructor partner and be part of the team creating this major extra care facility for the local Goldthorpe community. It is built in accordance with BREEAM standards and incorporates enhanced thermal performance and low carbon heating technologies.  We are highly delighted with the whole team approach and would like to thank our partnered subcontractors for their valued contribution to the residents of the Highgate Day Centre next door to our development.

ENDS

Background information for Cherry Tree Court

Cherry Tree Court is in the final stages of building works and will be ready in early 2011. This wonderful 3 storey Extra Care Scheme comprises 60 apartments, 59 x 2 bedroom and 1 x 1 bedroom, all for affordable rent. The scheme is being built on the site of a former sheltered housing scheme owned by Barnsley MBC which consisted mainly of bedsits with shared bathing facilities and suffered from very low demand.  The existing tenants were re-housed and the building was demolished in accordance with the ‘fit for purpose’ Barnsley Housing Strategy 2003-2008.  The project was identified as a priority within this strategy and also the Barnsley Supporting People Strategy 2005 and the current South Yorkshire Regional Investment Plan. The site was transferred to Chevin Housing Association at below market value to assist with affordability.

Whilst on site, the scheme is being project managed by Synergy Housing Solutions on behalf of Chevin HA.  The Homes and Communities Agency are  funding the development.  The contractor, Southdale was selected by Synergy following a process of competitive tendering.

Barnsley Primary Care Trust, Barnsley Social Services and Chevin Housing Association will work in partnership to enable the residents to retain their independence and continue to enjoy a high quality of life within the community.

Once completed the apartments will be allocated to people aged 55 and over  with care and support needs who will be nominated by Barnsley MBC. All applications for accommodation will be managed through Berneslai Homes, and allocated, according to the established entrance criteria, by a panel on which all partners are represented.

In addition to the 60 apartments which are specifically designed to be suitable for older people and wheelchair users, the scheme will contain a range of communal facilities including a lounge with coffee bar, smaller ‘snug’ type seating areas, fully equipped catering kitchen and restaurant, multi function/activities room, laundry, hairdressing salon, assisted bathing suite, guest suite plus office accommodation with facilities for the care and support staff.  The scheme will provide a valuable resource for residents and the local community and will be enjoyed by many older residents of Barnsley for years to come.