Burnley Wood scheme means independence

Burnley Wood is a new modern housing scheme designed to help older people live independently in their local community.

Construction works have started on a new modern housing scheme designed to help older people live independently in their local community.

The GBP3.7M scheme called Gerald Court in Burnley Wood will eventually see 80 people move across the road from their current homes in early 2008 into brand new bungalows that they partly designed.

It is being developed by Calico Housing, Burnley's leading provider of affordable homes and Places for People - the UK's largest and regeneration group - alongside the Housing Corporation who have contributed GBP2,09M to the project.

Residents have been extensively consulted on the scheme to establish exactly what they want to see from the new development.

Over the past year a number of 'design workshops' have taken place, with suggestions made by residents being incorporated into the design by architects.

Gerald Court resident Alberta Duckworth has lived in the Burnley Wood area for over 70 years and played a key role in helping designers plan the new bungalows.

Alberta who lives with her 95-year-old mother-in-law welcomed the move and said the new scheme will show that the area is changing for the better.

"I love Burnley Wood and have been a part of the community for most of my life.

The re-development of the area is essential and I am looking forward to moving into my new home, especially as I have played an active part in designing it".

"I know that I will be getting the most from my new home, that it will give me greater space and can be easily adapted should my health needs or my mother in law's change in the future".

The new Gerald Court will be the first properties to be built in Burnley Wood which is undergoing a major GBP15M regeneration project to improve the quality of housing in the area and offer a greater range of employment, education, health and social facilities to local residents.

The Gerald Court homes will provide a much higher standard of living for residents and provide greater living space with private courtyards connecting the bungalows.

All the properties will also comply with the lifetime homes standard, which enable the property to be easily adapted to meet the changing health and physical needs of people throughout their life in the house.

Michael Birkett, Chief Executive at Calico Housing said: "This is a really special development for the residents, Calico and Burnley.

"Here is a great example of how important it is to have local people involved in the process of rebuilding their community.

The residents of Gerald Court have made such a difference not only to the designs of their new bungalows, but also in helping us provide the right homes and support for people who want to stay where they feel they belong - in Burnley Wood.

"This is also a special day for Calico.

Our development is the first of many new homes we hope to build across Burnley; affordable homes for a revived community that we can all be proud of".

David Shaw, Director of Development at Places for People said that Gerald Court would help a wide range of people remain independent in their own home.

"For many people, one of the most important aspects of having their own home is the independence that it offers.

However due to circumstances such as illness or disability many people are unable to live in their own homes.

"This scheme will make a fantastic and positive difference to people's lives, enabling individuals to gain a greater degree of independence in a safe and secure environment".

Max Steinberg, Chief Executive of Elevate, the government pathfinder tasked with regenerating towns across East Lancashire said: "The commencement of this development is another tangible sign of the redevelopment talking place in Burnley Wood, alongside the new park and face lifting work.

Over the next few years, working in partnership with the residents of Burnley Wood, the transformation of the neighbourhood will gather momentum, as more homes are improved and new homes of different kinds are built.".

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