New Charter handed keys to flagship development

29 May 2012

New Charter has been handed the keys to its new £3.5m flagship development which will provide state-of-the-art accommodation and support for older residents and people suffering from dementia.

Named after famous author Beatrix Potter who has family connections to the area, Beatrix House is one of only four extra-care units in Tameside. Opening in the summer it is the first scheme of its kind for New Charter who will also manage the development.

Designed by Pozzoni Architects who specialise in designing for older people, the scheme provides 31 self-contained apartments and encourages people to live independently, with round-the-clock tailored support from health care professionals if required. The unit will also feature top of the range services including walk-in shower rooms, assisted bathing facilities, lifts on all floors and the latest care technology.

On-site facilities include a cafe bistro, hair salon, communal and private lounges, games and activities room, and is set to become a hub for residents and the local community who will be able to take advantage of its many services.

Outside gardens have been specially designed with different smells and colours to stimulate residents’ senses. An indoor reminiscence room will display iconic items from different decades to aid people’s treatment.

New Charter has funded the Gorse Hall Road development with grant support from the Government’s Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

Sean Stafford, New Charter’s director of development said: “Beatrix House is a landmark development for New Charter and being the handed the keys means we are a step closer to seeing the first residents move in.

“We’ve never built a scheme like this before and what makes it different is the specialist support it will provide for older people, together with an excellent living environment.

“All of the apartments are carefully designed to promote independent living and a range of built-in assistive technology will help to increase residents’ safety.

“Beatrix House has also been built with the residents’ families and the community in mind so they too can take advantage of the fantastic services it has to offer.”

Photograph courtesy of David Carey, New Charter

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