A CEREMONY to hand over the keys to the first residents at Elizabeth Gardens in Long Lane, Grays was held this week.
The housing – which has 18 one-bedroom and 47 two-bedroom apartments – is geared towards helping older people remain independent for as long as possible.
New residents and representatives from Thurrock Council and Hanover Housing Association got together for the ceremony to mark the occasion.
Elizabeth Gardens has a restaurant, hair and beauty salon, laundry, activity room and landscaped gardens, and all the flats are designed to enable people to maintain their independence well into old age.
It is geared towards people aged 55 and over who need care and support services. Most of the flats are being let at affordable rents and 18 have been sold on a shared-ownership basis.
Elizabeth Gardens has an on-site 24-hour care team and residents in the apartments can also receive personal care, including help with dressing and washing.
