A newly refurbished Independent Living scheme for older people was opened for guests to view its renovations on a sunny spring morning.
The work at Burdett House includes an updated communal area, enhanced security features, a brand-new kitchen area and improved laundry room facilities.
Plenty of tea and cake was consumed at the event as residents enjoyed testing out the renovated communal area which includes a brand-new dartboard.
Burdett House is the ninth Independent Living scheme to be completed as part of Stroud District Council’s £8 million project to update and modernise its accommodation for older people in the district. The scheme aims to meet the needs of an aging population and to improve residents’ access to communal activities such as gentle yoga and film evenings.
Sharon Marks, a resident at Burdett House says that the improvements are a great addition for people living there. “The communal room feels so much more spacious; the open plan kitchen is really wonderful, and the laundry room is much more compact and easier to use.”
Margaret Harper, another resident, agrees. “The communal room feels so much cleaner and brighter – I’m known as the “coffee girl” and I always make the drinks for everyone. The kitchen is much easier to use now.”
As well as the updated and improved communal room and laundry facilities, residents have also been given new key fobs to access Burdett House. Robert James, a resident at Burdett house for more than 5 years, says: “My eyesight is quite poor, and the new key fob is so much easier to use than using my old key. I can go straight from my car to the side door using my fob.”
Cllr Mattie Ross, Stroud District Council Chair of Housing attended the open morning and said that the work that has been carried out would benefit residents. “It’s great to see the refurbishment of key areas at Burdett House and our continued investment in Stonehouse. We are delivering on our Older Person’s Housing Strategy pledges to provide good quality older people’s housing which meets a variety of current and future needs.”
Cllr Lucas Schoemaker, Vice Chair of Housing Committee added: “SDC’s Council Plan states that we will invest in and deliver a programme to modernise our Independent Living homes for older people.”
The renovation work was carried out by Beard Construction to a design by architects Kendall Kingscott.
Beard Swindon director Jamie Harwood said: “As a family firm with a 130-year history of building in our local communities, Beard understands the importance of constructing the very best in living spaces – not just as safe and comfortable places to live but also as areas which help people to connect, and where communities can grow and thrive.
“These new, light-filled, open-plan areas will enhance the wellbeing of the residents by providing the latest in modern assisted living facilities and by bringing people together.
“Building on the success of this project, we are delighted to have already started work at another assisted living centre under competitive tender as part of the same framework.”
If you would like more information about community events at any of Stroud District Council’s Independent Living Community Hubs or would like to hold a group or volunteer at one please contact Katherine Allen, Community Hub Facilitator by email at Katherine.allen@stroud.gov.uk or by phone on 07792 420069.
