Hundreds of local older people attended an information day to find out more about The ExtraCare Charitable Trust’s new retirement village at Earlsdon Park, currently under construction and due to open in 2016.
The day, offering information about the vibrant lifestyle, activities and care that will be available, took place over six months before applications open and are a response to significant interest amongst 1,087 local households who have already registered their interest in the Village.
Guide prices were released on the day, with a one bedroom shared ownership apartment starting at £87,500.
One of the people attending was Pat Madden (66), who is interested in purchasing a home at the Village when it opens. Pat used to work at one of ExtraCare’s smaller housing schemes in Coventry, Princethorpe Court in Binley, and now lives close to Earlsdon.
She said: “I worked there for five years as a carer, and I think it’s great. I know a lot about ExtraCare because of that, but obviously it’s changed a lot since then.
“I really like that there’s so much emphasis on voluntary work and keeping active. It’s just bang on.
“I think it’s the perfect time to think about it now, while I can enjoy myself.”
ExtraCare Chief Executive Nick Abbey said demand for Earlsdon Park Village is strong: “It’s the City’s first Village and we are delighted by the strong response. Older people struggling to manage at home or simply looking to downsize tell us they want an affordable alternative to retirement flats or a traditional care setting – a Village with your own home, social facilities and strong links into the wider community seems a much more vibrant prospect.
“I hope these Information Days will help keep people informed and are perhaps the first beginnings of an exciting new Village community.”
The 262 apartment retirement village will be located on the site of the former Butts Technical College, occupying three acres of a newly-created re-development area. The site also includes a refurbished theatre, proposed restaurant, Premier Inn, food store and café.
The Village will provide homes for more than 300 people over the age of 55. Anyone over the age of 55 living in Coventry City will be able to apply for either a rental or purchase home within the Village; ExtraCare will seek to ensure that Village homes and care services are affordable for all, irrespective of financial means or frailty.
ExtraCare’s unrivalled mix of social facilities will be at the heart of the Village, including:
A sociable Village centre
Reception and main street
Shop
Bistro and bar
Sky lounge
Library and IT suite
Café bar and lounge
Well-being suite and well-being bathroom
Hairdressing and beauty salon
Craft room
Fitness suite
Enriched Opportunities Suite (to support people who develop dementia)
Fully accessible toilet facilities
Laundry and launderette
Lifts
Cash machine
Greenhouse and Village gardens
The facilities are at the heart of a state-of-the-art, sustainable community that could benefit over 300 older people, encouraging social and active participation amongst all age groups within the local neighbourhood. Residents, visitors and volunteers will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of hobbies, including choir singing, Tai Chi, writing, drama and wheelchair aerobics, all designed to support independence and improved social opportunities.
ExtraCare staff will provide care for up to a third of residents within their own home. This will include a well-being service and support for those with dementia
