Fully accessible homes handed over to Longhurst Group at Bluebell Place near Peterborough

Two families will soon move in to two new fully accessible homes near Peterborough after we took handover.

The homes, at Bluebell Place in Eye Green, are fully accessible with wheelchair friendly access, widened doors, kitchens with adjustable worktops, wet rooms and built-in space for a through-floor lift.

We’ve now taken handover of the properties at the 67-home development, which we’re delivering in conjunction with Countryside.

Marcus Keys, Executive Director of Growth and Development, said: “We’re delighted to have taken handover of these fully accessible homes which will be of huge benefit to the families who move in.

“As a Group, our Improving Lives strategy commits us to improving our customers’ health and wellbeing and, within that, providing homes that are fully accessible, yet discreet.

“That’s why we’re also pleased to be working with Invisible Creations, who’ve been helping us to future-proof the properties with discreet adaptations throughout, which can also double-up as physical grab rails.

“Our intention is to use these products on all our new-build rented accommodation.

“By building fully accessible homes, we’re providing the types of homes that people need to be able to live their daily lives as easily as possible, while making the house feel like their home.

“As well as Invisible Creations, I’d also like to thank Countryside and Peterborough City Council for their help and support in delivering this development and ensuring these fully accessible homes became a reality.”

We’ve also recently signed up to Harry’s Pledge, a commitment to carers which includes a promise to build more fully accessible homes and improve the support available to carers from employers.

By building fully accessible homes, we’re providing the types of homes that people need to be able to live their daily lives as easily as possible, while making the house feel like their home.

Laura Wood, Marketing Director at Invisible Creations, said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Longhurst Group to help improve the long-term health and wellbeing of their customers by providing attractive, discreet and dual-purpose products to aid mobility and better support people as they age.

“Invisible Creations was founded to design for dignity and was born out of a desire to do more; to improve lives, to prolong independence and to combat the stigma associated with ageing.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Longhurst Group who share our ethos and commitment to provide our ageing population with products they are proud to use, that ultimately will support them to live independently for longer.”

Councillor Steve Allen, cabinet member for housing at Peterborough City Council, said: "We’ve worked with Longhurst Group right from the development stage to ensure these homes can practically meet the needs of wheelchair users.

“It’s fantastic to see these properties delivered, which will help to ensure disabled residents will be able to access as much of their home as possible.   

“Additionally, these developments ensure that the resident can be as independent and safe as possible in their own home which has an enormous impact on their health and wellbeing. 

“We hope to continue this partnership with Longhurst Group and other housing associations developing sites in the city, to ensure more accessible new homes are delivered to meet the growing demand."

Glyn Mabey, Managing Director, Partnerships East Midlands, Countryside, added: “We’re very proud of the work we’ve achieved in Eye Green in partnership with Longhurst Group.

“These properties will have an immensely positive impact on the families set to occupy them while providing a modern and aspirational living environment which they can call home.”

To find out more about Harry’s Pledge, visit https://harrys-pledge.org.uk/