A GRANT
of £1.3 million has been agreed for a new block of 28 flats, geared towards the needs of older people.
The money, from the Homes and Communities Agency, covers around a third of the expected costs and means the flats will be built in Derry Avenue, just 250 metres from local shops and other services.
They will also be close to the Ockendon Centre, the new “hub” for local people with a library and contacts for many services – a valuable source of local information, guidance and support, where people can get together to determine how best to meet their current and future needs.
Thurrock Council’s portfolio holder for housing, Cllr Val Morris-Cook, said: “This is fantastic news. It’s an integral part of our effort to build better housing for local people and creating communities that are friendly and well-connected.
“The aim is to put an end to social isolation and help older people enjoy life and keep contributing to their communities.
“The designs are based on research to find out the types of housing older people prefer and feel happier and more comfortable living in.”
Portfolio holder for adult social care, Cllr Barbara Rice, added: “It is really exciting to see plans for housing for older people begin to take shape.
“This innovative scheme is designed to be attractive, accessible and easy to navigate, with natural light, shared gardens, balconies in each flat and an area for socialising.
“It marks a new approach to Thurrock Council’s commitment to older residents, creating desirable places to live that meet people’s needs as they grow older, tackling the issues that cause poor health such as poor housing, social isolation and fragmented services.”
The scheme is part of Thurrock Council’s building positive futures programme – a co-operation between several departments including housing and adult social care aimed at promoting health and wellbeing, creating homes and neighbourhoods that support and develop confidence for residents to remain independent for as long as possible.
