A ribbon-cutting ceremony has marked the opening of Housing 21’s latest Extra Care scheme which will provide 80 new homes for local people in Didcot, Oxfordshire.

Pictured: Poppy Meadows’ first resident, Barbara (centre), officially marking the opening of the scheme with representatives from Housing 21, Deeley Construction, Vale of White Horse District Council and Quattro Design Architects. 

Poppy Meadows comprises 60 one-bedroom apartments which are available for social rent, plus 10 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom apartments both of which are available to purchase through shared ownership. 

The completion of Poppy Meadows means residents will be able to live independently in their own spacious apartment with the assurance of an on-site Care Team providing tailored support, if needed. 

The scheme has been delivered by Housing 21, a national leading provider of Retirement Living and Extra Care, in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council, Vale of White Horse District Council, Midlands-based developer Deeley Construction and Quattro Design Architects, supported by the Oxfordshire Housing and Growth Deal.

Deborah Hope, Head of Development at Housing 21, said: “We are delighted to see that Poppy Meadows has successfully completed ahead of schedule. This is a great example of collaboration with Deeley Construction who have shown professionalism delivering the second development in Oxfordshire with Housing 21. 

"We're looking forward to welcoming residents to their new homes and inviting the local community to make use of the impressive on-site facilities too."

Pictured: Poppy Meadows exterior

Eleanor Deeley, Joint Managing Director at the Deeley Group, said: “We are proud to have partnered with Housing 21 to create this high-quality new Extra Care development. 

“We have delivered this development to the highest standard and ahead of schedule, and as a result of the strong partnership with Housing 21, we have been able to create a new scheme which will provide vital homes to people in Didcot.” 

Councillor Tim Bearder, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Good quality housing with care is a vital component of the Oxfordshire health and wellbeing strategy, with the ultimate aim of enabling people to live and age well.  

“Care delivered in an Extra Care housing setting like Poppy Meadows has a key role in ensuring people are supported to live as independently as possible for as long as possible in their own self-contained flat that also has care and support on site. 

“Providing someone with their own front door gives them a home of which they can be proud. A safe, comfortable, happy environment where they can live well within, and be a part of their community, for as long as possible.” 

The scheme boasts a selection of communal facilities for residents to enjoy including a café/bistro and hair salon that are also available for use by the local community, and a lounge and a guest room for when family come to visit. 

Pictured: The on-site café/bistro at Poppy Meadows

Cllr Helen Pighills, Cabinet Member for Healthy Communities at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “Poppy Meadows is a wonderful addition to Didcot, offering affordable homes that will enable its residents to live independently, while also receiving any care they need. We’re pleased that we were able to support the development of this care facility in the district.” 

All apartments are designed to provide fully accessible facilities for residents, including quality fitted kitchens, level access showers and specialist flooring to reduce slip hazards.  

If you’re a local and want to explore living at Poppy Meadows, there are a selection of shared ownership and rental apartments available. You can register your interest and find out more below.

Find out more about Poppy Meadows