A new chapter in supported independent living has begun in Hendon, as Barnet Council officially opened Hester Court, a new 75-home extra care scheme designed to meet the needs of adults requiring on-site support while maintaining their independence.

The scheme was celebrated at a launch event marking the completion of the modern development, located on the Upper and Lower Fosters estate. Hester Court forms part of a wider regeneration project that will eventually deliver 217 new homes to the area.

Hester Court offers a mix of one- and two-bedroom wheelchair-accessible apartments, complete with stylish communal areas to encourage social interaction and a sense of community. The building was designed by Allies and Morrison, with interiors by Colourways, and constructed by award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group in partnership with Barnet Homes, which managed the delivery of the project.

The homes are owned and funded by Barnet Council and will be managed by Your Choice Barnet, the adult care provider within The Barnet Group. Residents are expected to begin moving in shortly.

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Councillor Alison Moore, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health at Barnet Council, said: "It's a great pleasure to be at the handover of this beautiful new building, the third extra care setting that Barnet Council and partners have built. And it really is a wonderful new facility for those who need some extra care, to enable them to maintain independent living. Hester Court provides that support but gives each resident their own fully equipped flat.

"Alongside that, there are also lovely communal spaces that allow them to be both private when they wish and to join in with others when they want to. And of course, to have the comfort of knowing that there are trained staff to give them just the level of care they need. Hester Court looks very welcoming and I think that will be really important for those who want to come into a setting like this and know that it's going to be a really nice place to live."

The facility represents Barnet Council's continued investment in high-quality care housing designed to meet the evolving needs of its residents.

Julie Riley, Group Director of Care & Support at Your Choice Barnet, also acknowledged the collaborative effort behind the project: "I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the development of Hester Court, from Council colleagues and the Barnet Homes development team for their vision, the architects, contractors and interior designers. We have had great buy in from the locals and know that the people who move into Hester Court will be made to feel very welcome. The Your Choice Barnet manager, Titi, and her care team are also very eager to begin this journey with the new tenants."