Sheltered housing scheme handed over to Borough Council

Published Thursday, 13 January 2022

A NEW sheltered housing scheme Ambion Court in Market Bosworth has been officially handed back to the Borough Council following a 15-month building programme.

The 24 one-bedroomed, self-contained apartments scheme was designed by Pelham Architects and built by GEDA Construction. Each flat has been purpose-built to accommodate the needs of tenants aged 60 and over.

The cost of the project, approximately £4.5million was paid for by the Borough Council with a grant of £1.2 million from Homes England.

Unlike the previous scheme, which was demolished to make way for the new development, all units boast private wet room facilities plus a balcony or patio offering direct outdoor access. The scheme also offers a communal lounge, kitchen, dining area, library, hair salon, laundry, offices and storage suitable for mobility scooters as well as a car park.  

As part of the handover Mrs Jean Collins (82), who originally lived at Ambion Court before moving out to make way for the new development had the opportunity to view her new apartment which she plans to return to mid-January 2022.

Jean said:

I am really looking forward to returning to Ambion Court. I was part of the original tenant group who took part in voicing our suggestions about what the development should include. So to return and see it now completed, including many of our suggestions is fabulous. The building is lovely and light, modern and we all have our own private facilities. I look forward to meeting the other residents and enjoying many events in the communal lounge and garden. There was always a very full social calendar and I am sure that this will start again.

Executive Member for Housing at the Borough Council, Councillor Michael Mullaney, said:

It is fantastic news that, despite the impact of Covid-19, we have been able to complete this scheme and tenants will be moving in shortly.

This has been a major project for the council, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved. I have visited the site on many occasions, but I am delighted that today we have been able to tour the development and see the very high level of standard it has been completed to. Returning residents will see a huge improvement in their properties and potential new residents will be delighted with the high standard of accommodation, fixtures and fittings. Ambion Court is a great example of modern quality housing for tenants.

Colm McVeigh, Commercial Manager from GEDA Construction said:

We are delighted to be handing over Ambion Court. We have worked closely with the council and Pelham Architect’s to ensure we delivered a scheme that met the needs of the residents and the aspirations of the council. Once occupied this development will offer a modern and comfortable living environment. This development will have a positive impact on the local area offering much needed secure and affordable accommodation for the local residents for years to come.

The scheme is to be available to people aged 60 or over on the council’s sheltered housing waiting list to apply to rent on an affordable rent basis. Bidding is now open. 

Anyone interested in this scheme should contact a member of the Housing Options department by calling 01455 238141 or email Housing@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk. If you already have a Housing Application and you are unsure if you previously advised us that you would like to be considered for sheltered housing, or would like to update your application to include sheltered housing, please contact the team.