Turf cutting ceremony at Cambrian Way

28 August 2012

A turf cutting ceremony has been held in Bucknall, Stoke on Trent ,as work started on a new care home with a difference.

The first turf was turned on a new state-of-the-art development for people with learning disabilities, providing residential accommodation and much needed local respite care facilities.

The multi-million pound scheme is being developed by us our partners Choices Housing Association, along with ourselves, architects Ellis Hillman Partnership and contractors Thomas Vale Construction.

Built on the site of a former disused probation office, the development is great news for the local area, as bringing the site back into use will help contribute to the local economy and create 20 new jobs.

The timber and stone clad building will comprise 16 units, and work is expected to be completed by summer 2013. Downstairs there will be eight spacious en-suite bedrooms with communal dining and social areas for permanent residents, whilst the remaining eight bedrooms and communal facilities upstairs will offer dedicated respite care for varying periods of time, to suit the needs of referred individuals.

In the centre of the building, encircled by rooms on both floors, is an open-air courtyard and an orangery. In addition, some of the communal areas have floor-to-roof glass windows, flooding the building with light and adding to the development's prestigious feel.

As well as its high tech design, the building is also above standard in meeting its environmental targets, with high levels of thermal insulation, high efficiency boilers and controlled systems to recycle rainwater.

Nigel Downs, Choices Managing Director says: "This is an important development that will enable carers to have a much needed break from their caring responsibilities whilst safe in the knowledge that their next-of-kin will be staying in a safe, homely environment that meets the highest standards."

The event was attended by representatives from Choices Housing Association and its partners, including Mike Lawton (Chair of Choices Housing Association and The Wrekin Housing Group), Nigel Downs (Managing Director of Choices), Geoff Hillman and Rob Mellor (from Ellis Hillman Partnership) and Glen Schofield and Harold Bould (from Thomas Vale Construction).

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