WORK COMPLETES ON LEICESTERSHIRE’S NEW INDEPENDENT LIVING SCHEME

Added by Love Business East Midlands | 23 September 2021

Construction of Ashby-de-la-Zouch’s new £12.5 million Springfields Independent Living Scheme is now complete, thanks to national contractor Willmott Dixon.

Built on behalf of emh care & support, the development features 65 high-specification one- and two-bedroom apartments – with 50 available for rent and 15 for sale under shared ownership, offered both on preference and individual care and support needs. The build also houses communal areas such as a beauty salon, hairdressers and bistro to provide residents with an inclusive living environment.

The scheme, which is in the middle of the National Forest, was designed by BRP Architects to reflect its natural surroundings – creating living space that prioritises resident health, wellbeing and comfort.

Michelle Cotterill, director at Willmott Dixon, said:

“We’re delighted that the Springfields Independent Living Scheme is now complete and can help to provide much-needed housing for residents in the local area. It’s been great to see the build progress throughout construction and we’re excited to see new residents enjoy the many benefits of independent living within this new facility.”

Each apartment includes a secure video door entry system, wheelchair access and mobility aid dependent on individual needs – and offers bespoke care packages and a dedicated team of staff available 24 hours a day.

Michelle continued:

“Our relationship with emh care & support has gone from strength to strength throughout the project and we’re incredibly pleased that the team chose Willmott Dixon to help enhance the local economy and the lives of local people. Leaving a lasting legacy in the communities in which we work is very important to us and this development is a great example of where our passion for social value and community wellbeing has been matched by our partners.”

Procured through the Procurement Hub framework the project had a large focus on creating a positive impact for local people. Throughout the project, Willmott Dixon provided more than £220,000 worth of social value, including creating 20 employment opportunities for local people, holding mock job interviews, and hosting work experience and career talks with students from nearby Stephenson College. The team also hosted 201 weeks of apprenticeship training on site, as well as providing opportunities for Leicestershire SMEs and social enterprises through local labour and spend.

As with all Willmott Dixon construction sites, the project is registered with the Considerate Constructors’ Scheme and earlier this month was recognised at their national awards, winning the Most Considerate Site Runner-Up.

Lesleyann England, head of housing and new business at emh care & support, said: “We are very excited to open our brand-new extra care development. It’s unique in that it’s an inter-generational scheme that meets the needs of older residents, as well as younger service users who may have physical and/or learning disabilities or sensory needs.

“We are offering both sales and rental options to applicants and are working closely with North West Leicestershire District Council and Leicestershire County Council to ensure that local residents are prioritised for accommodation.

“The scheme offers a modern experience, with a bistro and hairdressers/beauty salon, which are also open to the general public. We are keen to invite all members of the community to utilise these services and to create a community hub.”

Chris Jones, executive director of development at emh, said:

“We are thrilled that our latest extra care development is complete. Together with Willmott Dixon and our other partners, we have created a modern community in the heart of the National Forest, a vibrant place to inspire health and wellbeing. Springfields is unique in that it is an inter-generational scheme, meeting the needs of older residents as well as younger service users who may have physical and/or learning disabilities or sensory needs.

“The demand for both sales and rental options has far exceeded our expectations, and our sales & marketing, and care & support teams are working closely with North West Leicestershire District Council and Leicestershire County Council to ensure that local residents are prioritised.

“Strong and established relationships across a range of sectors – including health and care - give us a greater understanding of the different markets we work in, and we actively seek to deliver multiple benefits for communities as part of our place-shaping agenda. We build around 600 homes a year, and every one of our developments makes a lasting impact on the local community. We are very proud that Springfields is a supreme example of this.”

Clare Moore, client relationship manager at Procurement Hub, said:

“This is another great project delivered through the Major Project Framework which will provide both housing and amenities for the local area. The framework aims to create a positive impact, so we are thrilled that it’s provided more than £220,000 worth of social value through various opportunities”.

Throughout the recent national lockdowns, Willmott Dixon also supported emh care & support to market the apartments using industry-leading 360 Matterport camera to enable virtual viewings for prospective buyers.

Michelle added:

“Due to the limitations of Covid-19, we had to find new ways of working and provide our customers with innovative solutions. Technology played a major role during the development process, from the use of Matterport cameras and BIM to the implementation of offsite manufacturing – all of which helped to deliver the project on time and to a high standard.”

To find out more information about the Springfields Independent Living facility, view the floor plan of the development, contact the team for further information or express your interest in the scheme, please visit: www.emhcareandsupport.org.uk/living-with-us/springfields.

For further information about Willmott Dixon, please visit: www.willmottdixon.co.uk

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