An Extra Care Living development for people over the age of 55 in Bishopton announced its name last week.

The new scheme in Warwickshire, which is being developed by Housing 21 in partnership with Warwickshire County Council, Stratford District Council and Vistry Partnerships (formerly Galliford Try Partnerships), will provide 75 two bedroom apartments for affordable rent and shared ownership. The development will offer people over the age of 55 a range of services and facilities including a 24 hour on-site care team for those who need it, a café/bistro, hair salon and communal lounge which is also available to the local community.

The Extra Care Living development, located off Drayton Avenue in Bishopton, is set for completion in November 2020. The first residents are expected to move into their new homes from January 2021.

Prior to the official naming of the scheme, year six pupils from Bishopton Primary School visited the Extra Care scheme site and listened to a presentation delivered by Housing 21. The children learned about Housing 21 as an organisation and the service that the Extra Care scheme will provided to older people of modest means in Warwickshire. Four teams of pupils made a number of suggestions, which were then reviewed by Warwickshire County Council. There were a number of great names put forward, which lead to the creation of ‘Lavender Meadows’.

Representatives of Housing 21 and contractor Vistry Partnerships were joined at the naming ceremony by Councillor Les Caborn from Warwickshire County Council.

Councillor Les Caborn, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health for Warwickshire County Council, said: “I'm pleased to see progress continuing with this Extra Care housing development in Stratford. The facility which is set to open in around 12 months will offer quality and affordable housing that will ensure older residents can stay independent for as long as they wish, whilst being supported by 24 hour care, if needed. Involving the local primary school in choosing a name for the facility was an excellent idea to engage the wider community in local schemes and raise awareness to the younger generation."

Donna Holmes, Head of Extra Care at Housing 21, said: We are very grateful to the pupils of Bishopton Primary School for the time and effort put into the naming of this new scheme, which will support many older people living in the area.
“We hope to continuing our work with the school upon completion of the scheme, and when the new residents have moved in.

“We are all excited to see more progress on the build and look forward to meeting and building more relationships with people in the local community, and those who are interested in living at Lavender Meadows!”

Darren Beale, Regional Director at Vistry Partnerships West Midlands added, “Vistry Partnerships is delighted to be involved with the delivery of this landmark development in Stratford. It is shaping up to be an exceptional scheme and one that the entire community can be proud of. The facilities and the inclusiveness which Housing 21 is enabling is embodied in their approach to choosing the name for the new community. We wish all the residents and support staff that come to live or work at Lavender Gardens a long and happy association with it.”