Work starts on £1.9 million sheltered housing scheme in Stalham
Care Minister and North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb has marked the start of construction of a £1.9 million project to build 15 new sheltered homes in Stalham – the fulfilment of a promise made by Victory Housing Trust to replace ageing bedsit accommodation on the site.
Mr Lamb performed the sod-cutting ceremony at Portalfield in the town, where Victory is building nine one-bedroom homes and six two-bedroom homes (two of which will be fully wheelchair adapted), following the demolition of the old bedsit block at the rear of the site. The development will also include a new communal room.
The new homes will incorporate many features asked for by residents during a consultation process run by Victory, including individual gardens, each with a shed; an entrance at the front and back of each property; a covered porch with external socket (which can be used for a mobility scooter); and adequate parking spaces close by.
The work at Portalfield represents a £1.9 million investment by Victory. Chief executive John Archibald said, “We are committed to providing top-quality sheltered homes for older people in the north of Norfolk, and this investment demonstrates that commitment being translated into action.
“We are delighted to be creating 15 brand new, state of the art sheltered homes, which will be much more suitable for today’s and tomorrow’s needs than the bedsits which they are replacing.”
Mr Lamb said, “This is a fantastic new scheme and a real opportunity to get some new high-quality housing for older people in North Norfolk. This is a wonderful location, and I expect these new homes will be much sought-after.
“I applaud the work of Victory Housing Trust in taking the initiative in making this happen, as well as the very sensitive way they have handled the process to minimise disruption to residents here.
“When I talk to local people about this scheme, they are very positive about the whole concept.”
The new homes are expected to be completed in May 2015.