New homes completed in £4.2m West Berkshire project

Thursday 25th February 2010

A £4.2 million project to provide high quality homes on a former YMCA site in West Berkshire has been completed.

Award-winning housing provider A2Dominion has created two brand new housing schemes at the London Road site, formerly known as Craven Dene, in Newbury. Both of the buildings will provide accommodation with support; for adults with learning difficulties in one scheme and vulnerable young people in the other.

Two specialist organisations have been commissioned to provide individual support programmes, allowing residents to learn life skills to enable them to live independently.

Work on the building project started in November 2008, and has just now been completed.

Pam Vasir, A2Dominion’s Director of Supported Housing, said: “We’re delighted that building work has now finished on these two new schemes. The result is high quality, modern accommodation that will help to meet housing need in the area. We hope that our partners will do a fantastic job in providing high quality support for the new residents of these two schemes.”

A2Dominion worked in partnership on the scheme with West Berkshire Council, contractor Leadbitter Construction and architect Calford Seaden.

The first block, Pelham House, consists of 10 one-bedroom apartments and two three-bedroom apartments suitable for residents who use wheelchairs. A2Dominion’s Care & Support team will provide housing management for the scheme, while the support service for its residents will be delivered by Creative Support, a charitable organisation commissioned by West Berkshire Council.

Bramlings House, the second block, has 15 one-bedroom apartments and 12 bedsits. NACRO, a registered housing association, will lease the building from A2Dominion and deliver housing management services. It has also been appointed by West Berkshire Council to provide a housing related support service for the scheme’s young residents.

Joe Mooney, West Berkshire Executive Councillor for Community Care, said: “I am very pleased that these two new schemes are finished. They will be a great asset in helping vulnerable young people and those with learning disabilities to become more independent, while still ensuring they have a high standard of care should they need it.”

The Homes & Communities Agency awarded grant funding of £2.4 million towards the cost of the project.

Posted by Kim for A2Dominion Housing Group Ltd.