RBH Extra Care scheme set to open in the spring

Lynne Brosnan, Chairwoman of the RBH Representative Body; Noel Chambers, Chairman of the RBH Board; Ian Woolrich, Managing Director, Cruden Construction; Cllr Jacqui Beswick, Rochdale Borough Council Cabinet Member for Housing

RBH’s first Extra Care scheme is on course to open in Spring 2015 following a topping out ceremony.

Representatives from the mutual housing society and Rochdale Borough Council were among those who attended the event at Hare Hill in Littleborough.

The £4.9 million facility, being built with the help of a £903,000 grant from the Homes and Communities Agency, will mark a defining moment in the way the borough cares for older residents.

It will offer older people the chance to lead independent lives in their own home with the peace of mind that expert care is on hand 24-hours-a-day.

A panel of RBH residents, the local community and the council’s adult care team all contributed to the design of the scheme, which will provide 41 two-bedroom apartments and two one-bedroom apartments.

Hare Hill will include a garden and community café together with facilities for residents to pursue hobbies and interests. It will also offer easy access to local amenities such as Hare Hill Park, the library and shops.

Rochdale Borough Council is set to appoint a care provider for the facility shortly to ensure that the care needs of all the residents are met.

Lynne Brosnan, Chair of RBH’s Representative Body, said: “I am thrilled that our first Extra Care scheme is so close to opening as it will be a huge asset to the borough, offering homes for older people, where care and support is available but which very much encourages and supports independence.

“As a mutual society we were determined to engage fully with residents, partners and the local community to achieve the best possible design, together with our architects.”

Noel Chambers, Chairman of the RBH Board, said: “This will be a magnificent facility which will allow us to offer residents the care they deserve.

“I am also particularly pleased that during the construction phase we will help over 30 apprentices from Hopwood Hall College and our in-house repairs teams complete their training.

“I would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to bring this project to fruition and look forward to Hare Hill opening its doors soon.”

Councillor Jacqui Beswick, Cabinet Member for Housing at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “The council has worked closely with RBH on this exciting project and it’s fantastic to see it taking shape.. By providing professional support in a home setting, we will reduce care home admissions and allow people to live independently for as long as possible.”

The Extra Care facility was designed by architects Pozzoni and the builders are Cruden Construction.

To register an interest in the Extra Care facility please call HomeChoice on 088 027 7769 or 01706 274100 or visit www.rochdalehomechoice.org.uk

To ensure that places are allocated fairly potential residents will be assessed for eligible care needs by the council’s adult care team.