My RHA
Hereford extension complete
21st May 2024 | posted in News
A £2 million extension of our popular retirement affordable housing scheme for older people in the centre of Hereford is complete.
Railway Housing Association, in partnership with its contractor Harper Group, has added an additional 14 homes to its Great Western Court housing scheme in Canonmoor Court.
This has increased the number of apartments at the scheme to 44, providing more affordable rental accommodation in the town for people aged 60 and over.
The extension, which is linked to the existing scheme built in 1986, has added 12 new one-bedroom apartments, with another two new apartments added within the existing building.
In addition, the communal residents’ lounge has been significantly increased in size to provide more space for the various activities which take place at Great Western Court.
The work has also resulted in a larger entrance area, new bicycle/scooter store, additional parking, landscaping, and sprinkler system.
Among the first to move in was 63-year-old Albert Pitcher, who has downsized from the two-bedroom flat he owned in Hereford.
He said: “My flat was up four flights of stairs so I was conscious that at some point this was going to become more difficult for me so I applied for one of the new apartments thinking I would spend a while on the waiting list but ended up moving in within a few weeks.
“The apartment is fantastic. The kitchen is twice the size of my old flat and I was able to bring pretty much all of my belongings with me because it is so spacious.
“I was widowed 18 months ago and even though I have the support of my family who all live in Hereford, I was getting lonely but here I am already getting involved in the social activities and making new friends. I couldn’t be happier.”
Another of the new residents is 83-year-old Susan Lodge, who moved into her apartment from a three-bedroom home she says was getting more difficulty for her to maintain.
“I count my lucky stars that I have been able to move into such a lovely place; it’s given me a new lease of life.”
Matt Sugden, Railway Housing Association Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to have completed work on this important scheme which we have undertaken to help meet the growing demand for affordable older person’s accommodation in Hereford.
“The apartments are easy to manage and enable people to continue living independently but with the with support of an onsite scheme manager if required.
“Great Western Court has always been a real hub of the community, with a wide range of social activities for residents and local people to enjoy, and we are looking forward to welcoming our newest residents in the coming weeks and months.
“We would also like to thank the Harper Group and in particular the site managers Simon and Lyndsey who went out of their way to help the works run as smoothly as they could for the existing residents at the scheme.”
Antony Rees, Managing Director of The Harper Group of Companies, said: “We are extremely proud to have worked in partnership with Railway Housing Association on this prestigious local project.
“It is fulfilling to have the opportunity to expand and improve on a landmark site such as Great Western Court, creating more safe housing for the over-60s who may need some assistance to continue living independently.”
Railway Housing Association invested over £2 million in the extension, which includes funding of £600,000 from Homes England.
