Housing 21 News

Contract signed for new apartments for older and disabled people in Kent

The contract has been signed for a £72million project to build stunning modern apartments for older and disabled people in Kent.

After 12 months of negotiations, Housing 21 has signed a deal with Better Homes Active Lives, a partnership between Kent County Council and ten of the 12 district and borough councils in the county to build and run a total of 340 apartments.

Work will now start on 275 extra care apartments for older people – with support available 24 hours a day if necessary – 58 supported flats for people with a learning disability and seven for people with mental health problems.

The extra care apartments will provide a genuine alternative to residential care, giving older people access to as much support as if they were in a care home so that they can remain independent, even if they become very frail, disabled or confused.

Support for people with a learning disability and mental health needs will focus on assisting them to live as independently as possible.

The entire £72 million building costs will be met by PFI credits from central Government. It is anticipated that all the apartments will be finished and ready to move into – or already in use – by 2010.