We’re pledging to create homes for the over 60s, by replacing 22 sheltered homes in Rochester with 54 new apartments.
The existing homes at Yeoman House in Princes Street, no longer meet the aspirations of our growing older population. So, we’re replacing them with 54 one and two bedroom flats, providing an extra 120 bed spaces for older people in Rochester specifically designed for residents over 60.
Plans to demolish Yeoman House in Princes Street, Rochester were approved by Medway Council at the end of August 2017.
It comes just after one leading retirement house builder revealed more stock and "good demand" for homes specifically built to suit older generations.
John Paterson Director at ARK Consultancy writing for 24 Housing states: “One staggering demographic fact should be concentrating the minds of everyone involved in UK housing. It’s the unstoppable reality that while right now there are about 15,000 people in Britain aged over 100, by 2060 there will be a million (possibly including you and me…)”.
Mr Paterson goes on to demonstrate how there is a growing and changing pattern of demand for retirement housing.
“The incoming cohort will be very different to those for whom traditional sheltered housing was designed, and the older residents we house now. They’ll work to a more advanced age, be older for longer and will experience completely different types of health, family and social influences”, he added.
The homes will also be fully accessible with communal lounge and garden areas.
Stephanie Goad, Operations Director at mhs homes said: “Some sheltered housing schemes built decades ago can be hard to let due to their size and lack of facilities for disabled people. The combination of these factors means they’re unsustainable.
"We’re pleased to be building good, quality homes in Kent that people will want to live in and helping to address the need for affordable housing for all age groups”, she added.
Following extensive review and consultation with the current residents, we’re now working with them to help them find alternative homes.
The building work will start in June 2019 with a completion date of March 2021.
You can find out more about our sheltered schemes here.