The Leader of London Borough of Bexley Council has joined residents of a local older people’s housing scheme in Slade Green to celebrate the completion of major refurbishment work.
Local housing provider Orbit, who own Bushey Court – an independent living scheme for people aged over 55, worked with professional interior designers from its affordable house building arm Orbit Homes, to completely renovate the scheme to showhome quality including redecorating and recarpeting throughout, replacing the communal kitchen and bathrooms, installing a new front entrance and windows and providing new furniture, soft furnishings and bespoke artwork.
Communal lighting in the scheme has been replaced with LEDs which are more energy and cost efficient and residents also have access to a new digital warden call system which offers a way to contact staff and other residents as well as video door entry to help keep them safe.
Twelve former bedsits that had been part of an adjoining day centre, have also been converted into eight apartments and incorporated into the scheme to provide more bespoke affordable housing for older people in the area.
A communal lounge at Bushey Court before and after refurbishment
Francis Burrows, Director of Support and Service Development for Orbit said: “We want residents to have safe, comfortable homes that they love. We hope that the refurbishments have created modern, homely spaces that residents can relax and socialise in and be proud to enjoy with their friends and family.”
Councillor Baroness O'Neill of Bexley OBE added: “It’s so important to be able to offer older people high quality accommodation that suits their needs and helps them to live comfortably and independently. It was fantastic to see the results of this refurbishment and I’d like to thank residents for inviting me to join in their celebrations.”
Dianne Orsler a resident of Bushey Court commented: “I think the improvements are lovely – much more modern and homely. I’m looking forward to showing my family around when they next visit.”
More information about Orbit’s independent living schemes is available at: www.orbitcustomerhub.org.uk/find-a-home/independent-supported-living/