Durkan help to deliver extra care housing targets
Durkan have been constructing award-winning homes for the elderly for over 45 years and are pioneering new design standards by providing extra care housing as an alternative to sheltered housing or long-term residential care homes. The latest development to be completed by Durkan is Leonora House, situated in Maida Vale, one of London's most affluent areas.
The £3.5 million development on behalf of Octavia Housing and Care, who provide affordable housing, care and support for older people, is designed to promote independence and well-being. Leonora House is a 5-storey development providing 21 extra care apartments as well as a dementia unit for residents over the age of 65. All 1 and 2 bedroom apartments are self-contained and support independence, however 24 hour support is provided to residents when needed. On the lower ground floors of Leonora House, Durkan constructed a community centre for Age Concern. Built as a hub for the local 50 plus community to socialise, a broad selection of activities and classes are provided at the centre. Facilities include a hairdressers, IT suite and dining room as well as exercise and treatment rooms. Robert Clark, Managing Director, Durkan commented 'By working in partnership with like-minded local authorities, regeneration bodies and housing associations, Durkan are helping to deliver housing targets by constructing extra care homes in both the public and private sector, enabling more people to benefit from the later lifestyle they deserve. At the heart of Durkan's construction approach to extra care developments is a commitment to provide residents every opportunity for an active later life.' Edward Smith, Senior Project Manager of Octavia commented 'Extra care is a huge step forward, the main advantage of extra care over traditional residential care is that they are not care homes as such. The residents all live in their own properties but have access to community rooms; this is very beneficial to their morale and personal dignity. Durkan have performed splendidly in the construction of Leonora House. The site was managed well, quality of the development is high and the surrounding neighbours were kept happy during the construction process.' As well as the completion of Leonora House, other extra care developments being constructed by Durkan include 'Trees' in Highgate which will provide 40 self-contained apartments and Cyril Smith House in Enfield consisting of 26 self-contained apartments. Cable television, internet and telephone services to all apartments are now a standard provision. Please click this link to view Durkan's latest Extra Care brochure (1.9MB PDF)
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