Bedford based social housing provider bpha is actively helping to provide much-needed new homes for older people in our region. Thanks to investment in new local Retirement Living accommodation, bpha has been able to provide 55 one and two-bedroom apartments at a new scheme, Wootton Vale in Bedfordshire.
Recent research looking at local housing demand identified that over half (55%) of the population growth between2015-35 is projected to be aged 65 or over and almost a third is projected to be 75 years plus. This aging population puts pressure on all parts of the community and bpha have recognised and acted on the need for additional Extra Care housing locally.
Wootton Vale Retirement Community is the latest addition to bpha’s Bedfordshire portfolio. The modern, comfortable scheme has been ideally positioned on the edge of the thriving county village of Wootton. Built over three floors, residents enjoy a range of facilities including a restaurant, gardens, hairdressers and beauty salon.
The scheme has been welcoming residents since February and feed back from those moving in has been extremely positive, with one new resident saying: “It’s great here and my apartment has very quickly become a happy home. Wootton Vale has a real community feel and it’s great to spend time with neighbours who offer me wonderful company and have become firm friends.” The site has just housed its final residents meaning that all 55 of the one and two-bedroom apartments are now occupied.
Nicola Randall, bpha Housing and Support Manager runs the scheme, and said: “Wootton Vale is a real credit to bpha and is a warm and welcoming home for our residents. We’re delighted to have every apartment occupied and I am extremely proud of the community that is being created here.”
In addition to Wootton Vale bpha, which operates in the Oxford – Cambridge Arc, recently also opened Retirement Living schemes in Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire. Meaning that the organisation now owns and manages 23 Retirement Living communities providing accommodation to older people.
For more information about bpha’s Retirement Living properties please visit www.bpha.org.uk/retirement-living/ or contact bpha by calling 0330 100 0272 or emailing info@bpha.org.uk.
