Work has begun on a £40m Norwich development that will deliver 127 new social homes, including specialist accommodation for people aged 55 and over.
The scheme, in east Norwich, will transform a former county council-owned brownfield site into a new community of affordable homes, all available at social rent.
It will provide 77 homes for people aged 55 and over who are eligible for care and support from Norfolk County Council, comprising 54 one-bedroom and 23 two-bedroom apartments. The homes will be wheelchair accessible and designed to help residents live independently, with access to on-site facilities including a café, hairdresser, spa bathroom, guest suite and communal garden.
A further 22 supported living homes will be created for adults with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and autistic people, comprising 12 apartments and 10 bungalows designed around residents’ individual needs. On-site support will be provided by Places for People.
The development will also deliver 28 new family homes for social rent, helping meet wider housing demand across Norwich.
Norfolk County Council is investing £5.5m in the scheme through its Independent Living and Supported Living capital programmes, with the remaining cost funded by Places for People, supported by Homes England. The former will own and manage all 127 homes once completed, including providing on-site support for residents in the supported accommodation.
Scott Hussey, councillor at Norfolk County Council, said: “The demolition of existing buildings on site marks an important milestone in the delivery of much-needed affordable and specialist housing for Norfolk residents. It is fantastic to see Norfolk County Council land being transformed into a development that will directly benefit some of our most vulnerable residents while also providing new family homes for the local community.
“Once completed, this site will provide 127 high-quality homes, all at social rent, helping more people to live independently. The development will also support a more sustainable model of adult social care and is expected to deliver ongoing savings of around £1.2m each year through reducing demand for residential care.
“This significant investment demonstrates the council’s commitment to meeting local housing needs, supporting independence and improving quality of life for residents across Norfolk.”
Christine Candlish, director of Living Plus at Places for People, said: “This is exactly what social housing should be about – creating high-quality homes that give people greater independence, security and the opportunity to thrive with support on-site for those who need it.
“Bringing different generations together in one community can help create a stronger sense of belonging, with opportunities for people of different ages to connect, support one another and build lasting relationships.
“This £40m investment will deliver 127 much-needed homes of the right mix to meet various people’s needs, from specialist apartments and supported living accommodation to new family homes, all at social rent. This community will provide homes for people for generations to come.”
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