Member Article

KHT set to open Knowsley’s largest Extra Care development

Knowsley’s largest Extra Care development, Bluebell Park, is set to open this autumn. As the borough’s largest development of its kind*, it will offer residents secure housing, quality care and a strong sense of community.

Due for completion in autumn 2014, Knowsley Housing Trust’s (KHT) Bluebell Park Extra Care development scheme in Huyton will offer a range of support and shared spaces for people over the age of 55.

There will be a total of 122 one and two bed apartments available, 21 of which will be available to buy through Shared Ownership. The remaining 101 apartments will be available for prospective tenants to rent and will include allocated Extra Care facilities.

This development, coupled with other planned works, will make the Trust the largest Extra Care provider in the borough by early 2016. As a result, Bluebell Park will be able to offer at least eight new employment opportunities locally, underlining its commitment to investing in the community.

Bluebell Park’s high quality communal facilities will include an assisted bathroom, a garden, spacious hobby and relaxing pamper rooms, a restaurant and a fully equipped salon.

A selection of these shared spaces will be open to non-residents too, providing an opportunity for the wider community to take advantage of the facilities and participate in the rolling calendar of regular activities, both of which add to the site’s neighbourly feel.

Each resident will be supported in their self-contained flat by assistive technology and carefully chosen care providers working for Community Integrated Care (CIC), who will be on-site 24 hours a day.

During working hours, further assistance will be provided by housing staff, who will deal with property related queries. The levels of care on offer will be tailored to the various needs of the incumbent residents and will be altered accordingly around their circumstances.

Executive director at KHT, Ian Thomson, said: “There’s a real need for Extra Care facilities in Knowsley so we’re delighted that we’ll be able to offer this on a large scale to the borough, providing residents with a tailored care and support package fully suited to their needs.

“Developments like Bluebell Park allow residents to maintain their independence, while knowing they are supported by a team of experienced professionals who are always happy to help.”

The development will also be set up to accommodate younger residents with specific care needs, although the site is primarily designed to cater to those aged 55+.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .