The development of Beeches Manor in Wokingham reaches a key construction milestone this month. The specialist dementia care and supported living housing development being built by Housing 21 in conjunction with Wokingham Borough Council has reached the ‘topping out’ phase, with the last tile being placed on the roof.
To mark the occasion, guests representing the project partners visited the site last week (November 18) to witness the laying of the final tile and to see how work is progressing on the £3.8 million development. They were also among the first to receive a copy of ‘Creating Better Living Environments for People with Dementia’, Housing 21’s new dementia design guide.
Due for completion in March 2012, Beeches Manor will provide 18 specialist extra care apartments for people with dementia. Along with communal facilities including lounge, kitchens and activity rooms as well as 24-hour care and support, residents will enjoy apartments that are both spacious and comfortable.
A further eight apartments for people with learning disabilities will provide much needed independent living together with staff accommodation. The new housing will be built and managed by Housing 21, who will also provide round the clock care and support for those with dementia.
Wokingham Borough Council leader Cllr David Lee, said: "I’m really excited to see the development taking shape. Beeches Manor is a really innovative scheme for the borough and will be much more than just bricks and mortar; it will provide vulnerable people with modern, high quality homes in a safe environment, close to the facilities on offer in the town centre."
The Beeches Manor development is a Wokingham Borough Council initiative and has also received a £1.8million investment from the Homes and Communities Agency.
David Williams, head of strategy development for Housing 21, said: "It’s fantastic to see how the development is progressing. Once complete, Beeches Manor will enable the residents to enjoy independent living. Those with dementia will also benefit from 24-hour on-site care."
The unique design of Beeches Manor draws on best practice evidence and incorporates both internal and external garden areas, which are known to promote wellbeing. Along with communal facilities including lounge, kitchens and activity rooms, the scheme also features assistive technology solutions.
Mike Court, architect with Quattro Design Architects, said: "Integrated into its woodland setting, the innovative design of Beeches Manor clustered around two central courtyards offers independent living for residents with dementia and learning difficulties whilst bringing natural ventilation, daylight and the surrounding landscape into the heart of the highly sustainable scheme."
The new development is due to be completed next spring.
