A new £6m extra care scheme of 48 purpose built apartments for older people was officially opened in Barnsley on Friday 7 October, by Deputy Mayor Cllr Margaret Sheard.
Carol Matthews, Chief Executive of local housing provider Guinness Northern Counties and Lady Amanda Ellingworth, Chair of The Guinness Partnership Board were joined by other partners and residents for the unveiling of a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion at Fitzwilliam Court on King Street, Hoyland.
The scheme, which completed in March this year, features extensive communal facilities, including assisted bathrooms and guest rooms, activity rooms and gardens, with a water feature created by Gavin Thistlewood, a student from Barnsley Art College.
Students from Barnsley Art College also worked with Guinness Northern Counties to create over 40 pieces or art which are placed throughout the scheme.
Each apartment is fitted with Telecare intercom facilities giving residents 24hr access to on-site care, provided by Guinness Care & Support.
Mrs Margaret Lindley, aged 85, was one of the first residents to move into Fitzwilliam Court in April this year. “I fell twice when I was living in my bungalow and went into rehab to learn to walk again” she said. “I was isolated and lonely. Since moving to Fitzwilliam Court I feel reborn, I’m learning to live again. I love laughter and I love life. I wouldn’t go back to that bungalow for all the tea in China!”
Built by Bramall Construction, the building has achieved a BREEAM rating of ‘Very Good’ and features communal heating provided by a combined heat and power plant which re-uses waste energy and feeds any excess electricity back into the National Grid.
The development has been part funded by local housing provider Guinness Northern Counties and developed in partnership with Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council. Grant funding was provided by the Homes and Communities Agency and The Department of Health.
Guinness Northern Counties’ Chief Executive, Carol Matthews, said: “It is fantastic to see our long partnership with Barnsley result in this superb scheme providing first class service. I have been touched by the stories from residents about how their lives have been transformed by their new homes and services. It’s great to see us really making a difference together!”
Councillor Mrs Margaret Sheard the Deputy Mayor commented: “Five years ago the Council set out its ambitions to provide a range of four new extra care schemes across Barnsley, replacing a number of small bedsits, with more modern high quality homes. The official opening of Fitzwilliam Court achieves that ambition. On behalf of the Council and the residents I wanted to thank all our partners who have helped make this latest scheme happen, in particular we appreciate the close working with The Guinness Partnership, the Department of Health and the Homes and Communities Agency. The scheme itself is first class, the facilities available are superb and this will no doubt be a long term benefit to the people of the area”
Lady Amanda Ellingworth, Chair of The Guinness Partnership Board, said: “I am so delighted to visit this superb scheme which has modern facilities and such a wonderful atmosphere.
“The fact that residents can access as much or as little care as they need means they can live independently but have complete peace of mind that help is on hand if they need it.”