Construction of an innovative dementia care and supported living housing development in Wokingham was celebrated yesterday.

Representatives of the project partners - Housing 21, Wokingham Borough Council, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), Willmott Dixon Housing and Quattro Design Architects - gathered at the site of Beeches Manor to mark the beginning of work on the £3.8m development. The development has received a £1.8m investment from the HCA.

The event was also an opportunity to celebrate the completion of enabling work to improve the site access, which is shared with Wokingham Bowling Club.

David Williams, Head of Research and Development for Housing 21, said: "It's important that people with dementia and those with learning disabilities can continue to lead rewarding and independent lives. The use of proven building and assistive technology solutions at Beeches Manor will ensure that this happens."


Housing 21, which has extensive experience of providing housing for vulnerable people, will provide 18 purpose-built apartments for people with dementia and a further eight for people with learning disabilities. There will also be staff accommodation on site and two guest rooms for visitors.

HCA investment and regeneration manager Chris Martin added: "It's extremely good news that work has started on this important housing scheme in Wokingham. It is vital that we continue to provide opportunities for vulnerable and older people to live in affordable homes that meet their needs, give them independence and support a good quality of life."

The dementia component of the project is modelled on the American ‘Greenhouse’ model and consists of two clusters of nine self contained ground floor one bedroom flats. Each cluster is arranged around an open plan communal kitchen, dining and lounge area with a hearth at its centre. The clusters also have their own private courtyard with access to shared landscaped and woodland garden areas.

The one bedroom flats for people with learning disabilities will provide residents with separate independent apartments with lift access and both private and communal balconies as well as a communal garden area.

The new development is due to complete in March 2012.

(CD/GK)