Abbeyfield plans a extra care scheme to provide high specification independent living apartments for older people in a secure and supportive environment. Situated in Wellbrook Way, Girton, just outside Cambridge, the proposed scheme embraces the latest thinking in offering independent older people a lifetime home with the opportunity to purchase care services on site and access communal facilities, which enhance health and wellbeing.
Once built, our residents will benefit from the provision of communal facilities tailored to those with higher care needs, which will ensure they have a 'Home for Life', in contrast to other local private sector residential providers.
The development will comprise 76 one, two and three bedroom apartments. Principal communal facilities will be a main kitchen, cafe and dining area, relaxation suite and a cinema. Our desire is to achieve a 'state of the art' scheme both in terms of the design and facilities provided.
A great emphasis is to be placed on the use of sustainable design and technology – promoting a reduction of running costs for the residents and minimising the impact of the construction of the building on the environment.
Specific activities will include:
- Home support
- Library
- Cinema
- Relaxation suite
- Physiotherapy and occupational therapy
- Educational and leisure activities
- Catering and laundry
- Minibus to and from the centre
- Hairdressing and beauty treatments
- Lunch clubs
- Personal care
- Alternative therapy
- Chiropody
A full tender exercise was carried out by the Development Team under European procurement rules and a favoured contractor is now in place. A Board approval was secured in April 2010 to sign a building contract and start the construction work at Wellbrook Way. Completion is estimated in winter 2011. Abbeyfield are currently taking expressions of interest from people wishing to purchase a new home on this development.